Trinity Industries (TRN) 10-K 19 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	TRINITY INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	99780
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		155,668,747
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$6,706.80

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Total revenues	$6,170	$4,365.30	$3,811.90
Cost of revenues:
Total cost of revenues	4,619.80	3,322.30	3,051.50
Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses:
Total selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	403.6	291.3	224.1
Gains on disposition of property, plant, and equipment:
Net gains on railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year at the time of sale	92.3	20.4	33.5
Other	12.1	0.8	5
Total gains on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	104.4	21.2	38.5
Total operating profit	1,251	772.9	574.8
Other (income) expense:
Interest income	-1.9	-2.1	-1.5
Interest expense	193.4	187.3	194.7
Other, net	-4.6	-2.8	-4.3
Total other (income) expense	186.9	182.4	188.9
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	1,064.10	590.5	385.9
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:
Current	360.6	158.6	7.7
Deferred	-5.8	45.8	126.3
Total provision for income taxes	354.8	204.4	134
Net income from continuing operations	709.3	386.1	251.9
Discontinued operations:
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of provision for income taxes of $-, $5.4, and $-	0	7.1	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes of $-, $(0.8), and $1.1	0	-0.8	1.8
Net income	709.3	392.4	253.7
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	31.1	16.9	-1.5
Net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	678.2	375.5	255.2
Basic:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$4.35	$2.34	$1.59
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$0.04	$0.01
Basic (in dollars per share)	$4.35	$2.38	$1.60
Diluted:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$4.19	$2.34	$1.58
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$0.04	$0.01
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$4.19	$2.38	$1.59
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	151	152.8	154.7
Diluted (in shares)	156.7	152.9	155.1
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.27	$0.21
Manufacturing
Revenues:
Total revenues	5,063.60	3,719.90	3,167.50
Cost of revenues:
Total cost of revenues	3,975.10	2,990.90	2,701.20
Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses:
Total selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	235	180.4	143.4
Leasing
Revenues:
Total revenues	1,106.40	645.4	644.4
Cost of revenues:
Total cost of revenues	644.7	331.4	350.3
Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses:
Total selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	49.6	37.6	29.4
Other
Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses:
Total selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	$119	$73.30	$51.30

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Provision for income taxes related to gain on sale of discontinued operations	$0	$5.40	$0
Provision (benefit) for income taxes related to income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0	($0.80)	$1.10

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income	$709.30	$392.40	$253.70
Derivative financial instruments:
Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period, net of tax expense/ (benefit) of $(0.6), $0.8, and $4.2	-1.2	0.8	7.2
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, tax expense (benefit)	-0.6	0.8	4.2
Reclassification adjustments for losses included in net income, net of tax benefit of $8.4, $8.7, and $3.2	16	18.1	5.8
Reclassification adjustments for losses included in net income, tax benefit	8.4	8.7	3.2
Currency translation adjustment	-2	0	0.6
Defined benefit plans:
Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period, net of tax expense/ (benefit) of $(26.7), $31.0, and $(17.8)	-45.1	52.7	-30.3
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, tax expense (benefit)	-26.7	31	-17.8
Amortization of net actuarial losses, net of tax benefit of $0.8, $1.9, and $1.1	1.3	3.1	2.2
Amortization of net actuarial losses, tax benefit	0.8	1.9	1.1
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-31	74.7	-14.5
Comprehensive income	678.3	467.1	239.2
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	34.1	21.1	0.1
Comprehensive income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	$644.20	$446	$239.10

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$887.90	$428.50
Short-term marketable securities	75	149.7
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4.5 and $3.1	405.3	365
Income tax receivable	58.6	7.7
Inventories:
Raw materials and supplies	585.4	477
Work in process	298.2	201.4
Finished goods	184.8	136.3
Inventory, net	1,068.40	814.7
Restricted cash, including partially-owned subsidiaries of $91.9 and $77.1	234.7	260.7
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost, including partially-owned subsidiaries of $2,261.2 and $1,887.2	6,586	6,275.80
Less accumulated depreciation, including partially-owned subsidiaries of $261.3 and $202.1	-1,683.10	-1,505.20
Property, plant, and equipment, net	4,902.90	4,770.60
Goodwill	773.2	278.2
Other assets	327.8	238.3
Total assets	8,733.80	7,313.40
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	295.4	216.3
Accrued liabilities	709.6	567.4
Debt:
Recourse, net of unamortized discount of $60.0 and $74.1	829.3	419
Non-recourse:
Wholly-owned subsidiaries	1,207.80	1,314.70
Partially-owned subsidiaries	1,515.90	1,256.10
Total debt	3,553	2,989.80
Deferred income	36.4	40.8
Deferred income taxes	632.6	650.7
Other liabilities	109.4	99.3
Total liabilities	5,336.40	4,564.30
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock – 1.5 shares authorized and unissued	0	0
Common stock – 200.0 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 – 155.7; at December 31, 2013 – 81.7	155.7	81.7
Capital in excess of par value	463.2	686.6
Retained earnings	2,489.90	1,870
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-111.9	-78.2
Treasury stock – shares at December 31, 2014 – 0.1; at December 31, 2013 – 4.3	-1	-158
Total stockholders' equity	2,995.90	2,402.10
Noncontrolling interest	401.5	347
Total stockholders' equity, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,397.40	2,749.10
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$8,733.80	$7,313.40

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$4.50	$3.10
Restricted cash	234.7	260.7
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	6,586	6,275.80
Less: accumulated depreciation	1,683.10	1,505.20
Unamortized discount on recourse debt	60	74.1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,500,000	1,500,000
Preferred stock, shares unissued	1,500,000	1,500,000
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	155,700,000	81,700,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	155,700,000	81,700,000
Treasury stock, shares	100,000	4,300,000
Partially-owned subsidiaries
Restricted cash	91.9	77.1
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,261.20	1,887.20
Less: accumulated depreciation	$261.30	$202.10

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income	$709.30	$392.40	$253.70
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Income from discontinued operations	0	-6.3	-1.8
Depreciation and amortization	244.6	211.5	193.7
Stock-based compensation expense	53.3	44.5	27.7
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	-24.4	-8.5	-0.6
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	-5.8	45.8	126.3
Net gains on railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year at the time of sale	-92.3	-20.4	-33.5
Gain on disposition of property, plant, equipment, and other assets	-12.1	-0.8	-5
Non-cash interest expense	30.7	30.8	31.2
Other	-4.5	-6.4	-3.2
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	-56.4	17.2	2.7
(Increase) decrease in inventories	-186.3	-95.6	-128
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	25	-25	0
(Increase) decrease in other assets	-8.3	-29.1	-41.5
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	60.7	29	-16.7
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities	82.1	72.4	125.5
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	2.6	8.2	-3.9
Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	818.2	659.7	526.6
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	1	2.5	0.8
Net cash provided by operating activities	819.2	662.2	527.4
Investing activities:
(Increase) decrease in short-term marketable securities	74.7	-149.7	0
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year at the time of sale	265.8	131.6	126.3
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales – sale and leaseback	0	0	58.3
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant, equipment, and other assets	23	3.7	16.8
Capital expenditures – leasing, net of sold lease fleet railcars owned one year or less with a net cost of $350.2, $49.4 and $93.8	-245.3	-581.1	-352.6
Capital expenditures – manufacturing and other	-219.3	-149.9	-116.6
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-714.4	-73.2	-46.2
Other	0.8	0	1.7
Net cash required by investing activities - continuing operations	-814.7	-818.6	-312.3
Net cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations	0	0.6	0.9
Net cash required by investing activities	-814.7	-818	-311.4
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	0.6	2.5	4.1
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	24.4	8.5	0.6
Payments to retire debt	-186.6	-262.1	-378.4
Proceeds from issuance of debt	727.3	175	443.8
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	1	-12.5	17.1
Shares repurchased	-36.5	-103.2	-45.2
Dividends paid to common shareholders	-54.4	-39.3	-31.7
Purchase of shares to satisfy employee tax on vested stock	-38.3	-9.6	-4.8
Proceeds from sale of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiaries	0	296.7	0
Repurchase of noncontrolling interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiary	0	-84	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	49.6	50	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	-28.2	-10	0
Other	-2.5	0.8	-0.5
Net cash provided by financing activities - continuing operations	456.4	12.8	5
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities - discontinued operations	-1.5	-1.5	0.9
Net cash provided by financing activities	454.9	11.3	5.9
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	459.4	-144.5	221.9
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	428.5	573	351.1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	887.9	428.5	573
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Interest paid	158.3	163.6	174.8
Income tax payments made, net	$399	$110.90	$18.40

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Capital expenditures – leasing, net of sold lease fleet railcars owned one year or less, net cost	$350.20	$49.40	$93.80

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Treasury Stock	Trinity Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$1,948.30	$81.70	$626.50	$1,314.70	($134)	($25.10)	$1,863.80	$84.50
Beginning balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011		81,700,000				-1,500,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	253.7			255.2			255.2	-1.5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-14.5				-16.1		-16.1	1.6
Cash dividends on common stock	-33.2			-33.2			-33.2
Restricted shares, net	24.7		26.4			-1.7	24.7
Restricted shares, net, Shares						400,000
Shares repurchased	-45.2					-45.2	-45.2
Shares repurchased, Shares						-1,800,000
Stock options exercised	4.1		-0.7			4.8	4.1
Stock options exercised, Shares						300,000
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0.2		0.2				0.2
Stock-based compensation expense	0.2		0.2				0.2
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	0
Other	-0.7					-0.7	-0.7
Other, Shares						0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	2,137.60	81.7	652.6	1,536.70	-150.1	-67.9	2,053	84.6
Ending balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012		81,700,000				-2,600,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	392.4			375.5			375.5	16.9
Other comprehensive income (loss)	74.7				70.5		70.5	4.2
Cash dividends on common stock	-42.2			-42.2			-42.2
Restricted shares, net	37.1		23.3			13.8	37.1
Restricted shares, net, Shares						700,000
Shares repurchased	-108.2					-108.2	-108.2
Shares repurchased, Shares						-2,500,000
Stock options exercised	2.3		-2			4.3	2.3
Stock options exercised, Shares						100,000
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	8.7		8.7				8.7
Repurchase of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiary	-84.2		11.8		-11.8			-84.2
Sale of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiaries	291.3		-7.3		13.2		5.9	285.4
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	50							50
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	-9.9							-9.9
Other	-0.5		-0.5				-0.5
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	2,749.10	81.7	686.6	1,870	-78.2	-158	2,402.10	347
Ending balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013		81,700,000				-4,300,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	709.3			678.2			678.2	31.1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-31				-34		-34	3
Cash dividends on common stock	-58.3			-58.3			-58.3
Restricted shares, net	14.9	0.1	29.8			-15	14.9
Restricted shares, net, Shares		100,000				600,000
Shares repurchased	-31.5					-31.5	-31.5
Shares repurchased, Shares						-600,000
Stock options exercised	0.6	0.1	-0.1			0.6	0.6
Stock options exercised, Shares		100,000				100,000
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	24.2		24.2				24.2
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	49.6							49.6
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	-28.2							-28.2
Retirement of treasury stock	0	-4.2	-198.9			203.1	0
Retirement of treasury stock, Shares		-4,200,000				4,200,000
Stock split	0	78	-78				0
Stock split, Shares		78,000,000
Other	-1.3	0	-0.4		0.3	-0.2	-0.3	-1
Other, Shares		0				-100,000
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$3,397.40	$155.70	$463.20	$2,489.90	($111.90)	($1)	$2,995.90	$401.50
Ending balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014		155,700,000				-100,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation
	The financial statements of Trinity Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (“Trinity”, “Company”, “we” or “our”) include the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its partially-owned subsidiaries, TRIP Rail Holdings LLC ("TRIP Holdings") and RIV 2013 Rail Holdings LLC ("RIV 2013"), in which the Company has a controlling interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Stockholders' Equity
	On May 5, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a 2-for-1 stock split on its common shares. The stock split was issued in the form of a 100% stock dividend. The additional shares were distributed on June 19, 2014, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 5, 2014. All share and per share information, including dividends, has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split, except for the statement of stockholders' equity which will reflect the stock split by reclassifying $78.0 million from "Capital in Excess of Par Value" to "Common Stock" representing the par value of the additional shares issued to effect the stock split.
	In March 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new $250 million share repurchase program that expires on December 31, 2015 and replaced the Company's previously authorized $200 million share repurchase program. Under the new program, 747,246 shares were repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2014, at a cost of $31.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 2,473,189 shares under the prior program at a cost of $108.2 million.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenues for contracts providing for a large number of units and few deliveries are recorded as the individual units are produced, inspected, and accepted by the customer as the risk of loss passes to the customer upon delivery acceptance on these contracts. This occurs primarily in the Rail and Inland Barge Groups. Revenue from rentals and operating leases, including contracts which contain non-level fixed rental payments, is recognized monthly on a straight-line basis. Revenue is recognized from the sales of railcars from the lease fleet on a gross basis in leasing revenues and cost of revenues if the railcar has been owned for one year or less at the time of sale. Sales of railcars from the lease fleet that have been owned for more than one year are recognized as a net gain or loss from the disposal of a long-term asset. Fees for shipping and handling are recorded as revenue. For all other products, we recognize revenue when products are shipped or services are provided.
	Income Taxes
	The liability method is used to account for income taxes. Deferred income taxes represent the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Valuation allowances reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that will more likely than not be realized.
	The Company regularly evaluates the likelihood of realization of tax benefits derived from positions it has taken in various federal and state filings after consideration of all relevant facts, circumstances, and available information. For those tax positions that are deemed more likely than not to be sustained, the Company recognizes the benefit it believes is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized. To the extent the Company were to prevail in matters for which accruals have been established or be required to pay amounts in excess of recorded reserves, the effective tax rate in a given financial statement period could be materially impacted.
	Financial Instruments
	The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments to be either cash and cash equivalents if purchased with a maturity of three months or less, or short-term marketable securities if purchased with a maturity of more than three months and less than one year. The Company intends to hold its short-term marketable securities until they are redeemed at their maturity date and believes that under the "more likely than not" criteria, the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity.
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk are primarily cash investments including restricted cash, short-term marketable securities, and receivables. The Company places its cash investments and short-term marketable securities in bank deposits and investment grade, short-term debt instruments and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one commercial issuer. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to control procedures that monitor the credit worthiness of customers, the large number of customers in the Company's customer base, and their dispersion across different industries and geographic areas. As receivables are generally unsecured, the Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the expected collectibility of all receivables. Receivable balances determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance. The carrying values of cash, short-term marketable securities, receivables and accounts payable are considered to be representative of their respective fair values.
	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined principally on the first in first out method. Market is replacement cost or net realizable value. Work in process and finished goods include material, labor, and overhead.
	Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives are: buildings and improvements - 3 to 30 years; leasehold improvements - the lesser of the term of the lease or 7 years; machinery and equipment - 2 to 10 years; information systems hardware and software - 2 to 5 years; and railcars in our lease fleet - generally 35 years. The costs of ordinary maintenance and repair are charged to operating costs while renewals and major replacements are capitalized.
	Long-lived Assets
	The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used for potential impairment. The carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used is considered impaired only when their carrying value is not recoverable through undiscounted future cash flows and the fair value of the assets is less than their carrying value. Fair value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risks involved or market quotes as available. Impairment losses on long-lived assets held for sale are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced by the estimated cost to dispose of the assets. Impairment losses were not material for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment annually, or on an interim basis whenever events or circumstances change, indicating that the carrying amount of the goodwill might be impaired. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process with step one requiring the comparison of the reporting unit's estimated fair value with the carrying amount of its net assets. If necessary, step two of the impairment test determines the amount of goodwill impairment to be recorded when the reporting unit's recorded net assets exceed its fair value. Impairment is assessed at the “reporting unit” level by applying a fair value-based test for each unit with recorded goodwill. The estimates and judgments that most significantly affect the fair value calculations are assumptions, consisting of level three inputs, related to revenue and operating profit growth, discount rates and exit multiples. During the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company considered certain state actions with regard to its highway products litigation as an indicator of possible goodwill impairment. See Note 18 Commitments and Contingencies for a fuller explanation of this matter. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's annual impairment test of goodwill was completed at the reporting unit level and no impairment charges were determined to be necessary.
	Intangible assets with defined useful lives, which as of December 31, 2014 had net book values of $58.8 million, are amortized over their estimated useful lives, and were also evaluated for potential impairment as of December 31, 2014.
	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash consists of cash and cash equivalents that are held either as collateral for the Company's non-recourse debt and lease obligations or security for the performance of certain product sales agreements and as such are restricted in use.
	Insurance
	The Company is effectively self-insured for workers' compensation claims. A third party administrator is used to process claims. We accrue our workers' compensation liability based upon independent actuarial studies.
	Warranties
	Depending on the product, the Company provides warranties against materials and manufacturing defects generally ranging from one to five years. The warranty costs are estimated using a two-step approach. First, an engineering estimate is made for the cost of all claims that have been asserted by customers. Second, based on historical claims experience, a cost is accrued for all products still within a warranty period for which no claims have been filed. The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized related to products covered by warranties, and assesses the adequacy of the resulting reserves on a quarterly basis.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Operations outside the United States prepare financial statements in currencies other than the United States dollar. The income statement amounts are translated at average exchange rates for the year, while the assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates. Translation adjustments are accumulated as a separate component of stockholders' equity and other comprehensive income. The functional currency of our Mexico operations is considered to be the United States dollar. The functional currency of our Canadian operations is considered to be the Canadian dollar.
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Other comprehensive net income (loss) consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, the effective unrealized gains and losses on the Company's derivative financial instruments, and the net actuarial gains and losses of the Company's defined benefit plans, the sum of which, along with net income (loss), constitutes comprehensive net income (loss). See Note 15 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (“AOCL”). All components are shown net of tax.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," ("ASU 2014-09") providing common revenue recognition guidance for U.S. GAAP. Under ASU 2014-09, an entity recognizes revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. It also requires additional detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 will become effective for public companies during interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	Management's Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year balances have been reclassified in the consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2014 presentation.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Divestitures	Acquisitions and Divestitures
	The Company's acquisition and divestiture activities are summarized below:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Acquisitions:
	Purchase price	$	720.9		$	125.2		$	48.8
	Net cash paid	$	714.4		$	73.2		$	46.2
	Goodwill recorded	$	495		$	37		$	20.9
	Divestitures:
	Proceeds	$	—		$	35.6		$	2.1
	Gain recognized	$	—		$	12.5		$	1.5
	Goodwill charged off	$	—		$	4.8		$	0.1
	Acquisition of Meyer Steel Structures
	On August 18, 2014, Trinity completed its acquisition of the assets of Meyer Steel Structures ("Meyer"), the utility steel structures division of Thomas & Betts Corporation, a member of the ABB Group, for approximately $595.6 million in cash. Meyer is one of North America's leading providers of tubular steel structures for electricity transmission and distribution and is included in the Company's Energy Equipment Group. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company incurred $8.7 million in acquisition-related transaction costs which have been expensed in our Corporate segment and $1.5 million in non-recurring additional state income tax expense included in our consolidated provision for income taxes. Due to the size and complexity of Meyer, the purchase price was allocated on a preliminary basis to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their acquisition date fair value using level three inputs. We expect to complete our purchase price allocation as soon as reasonably possible not to exceed one year from the acquisition date. Adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation could be material to the purchase price allocation. The following table represents our preliminary purchase price allocation as of December 31, 2014:
		December 31,
		2014
		(in millions)
	Accounts receivable	$	29.4
	Inventories	36.1
	Property, plant, and equipment	70.5
	Goodwill	409.1
	Other assets	76
	Accounts payable	(15.4		)
	Accrued liabilities	(10.1		)
	Total net assets acquired	$	595.6
	Level three inputs are those that reflect our estimates about the assumptions market participants would use in determining the fair value of the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Valuation techniques for assets and liabilities measured using level three inputs may include methodologies such as the market approach, the income approach or the cost approach and may use unobservable inputs such as projections, estimates, and management’s interpretation of current market data. These unobservable inputs are utilized only to the extent that observable inputs are not available or cost effective to obtain. Goodwill, all tax-deductible, was primarily related to the value of Meyer's market position and its existing workforce. Based on our preliminary valuation, other assets include intangibles arising from the Meyer acquisition as follows:
		Preliminary estimated fair value			Weighted average useful life
		(in millions)
	Customer relationships	$	35.3		10.5 years
	Trademarks/trade names	34.1			Indefinite
	Technology	5.6			5.0 years
		$	75
	In addition to Meyer, during the year ended December 31, 2014, we completed the acquisition of three businesses in our Energy Equipment Group located in the U.S. and Canada and one business in our Construction Products Group located in the U.S. These acquisitions were recorded based on preliminary valuations of the related assets and liabilities at their acquisition date fair value using level three inputs. Such assets and liabilities were not significant in relation to assets and liabilities at the consolidated or segment level. The valuations of the three Energy Equipment Group acquisitions were finalized as of September 30, 2014.
	The operating results of our 2014 acquisitions, as summarized in the following table, are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations from their date of acquisition, exclude transaction-related acquisition costs that are included in the Corporate segment, and include additional amortization expense resulting from the preliminary purchase price allocation:
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-14
		(in millions)
	Revenues	$	187.4
	Operating profit	$	2.4
	The following table represents the pro-forma consolidated operating results of the Company as if our 2014 acquisitions had been acquired on January 1, 2013. The pro-forma information should not be considered indicative of the results that would have occurred if the acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2013, nor is such pro-forma information necessarily indicative of future results.
		Year Ended December 31, 2014			Year Ended December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Revenues	$	6,369.80		$	4,830.80
	Operating profit	$	1,274.40		$	834.1
	The aggregate purchase price related to our acquisition activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 by segment follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Rail Group	$	—		$	23.1		$	—
	Construction Products Group	6.1			74.2			48.8
	Energy Equipment Group	714.8			27.9			—
		$	720.9		$	125.2		$	48.8
	Discontinued operation - Ready-Mix Concrete Operations
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company sold its remaining ready-mix concrete operations in exchange for certain aggregates operations in Texas, Colorado, and California. The fair value of the proceeds received in exchange for the divested operations was based on the Company’s estimate of fair value of the operations disposed using a discounted cash flow analysis. A gain of $12.5 million was recognized based on the fair value of the proceeds less the assets’ carrying amounts and certain transaction costs. The divestiture of our ready-mix concrete operations has been accounted for and reported as a discontinued operation.
	Condensed results of operations for the ready-mix concrete operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Revenues	$	—		$	31.6		$	121.4
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	$	—		$	(1.6	)	$	2.9
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			(0.8		)	1.1
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	—		$	(0.8	)	$	1.8

Fair_Value_Accounting

Fair Value Accounting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Accounting	Fair Value Accounting
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
		Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2014
		Level 1				Level 2			Level 3				Total
		(in millions)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	415.2			$	—		$	—			$	415.2
	Restricted cash	234.7				—			—				234.7
	Total assets	$	649.9			$	—		$	—			$	649.9
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate hedges:(1)
	Wholly-owned subsidiaries	$	—			$	6.4		$	—			$	6.4
	Partially-owned subsidiaries	—				2			—				2
	Fuel derivative instruments(1)	—				2.1			—				2.1
	Total liabilities	$	—			$	10.5		$	—			$	10.5
		Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2013
		Level 1				Level 2			Level 3				Total
		(in millions)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	230.6			$	—		$	—			$	230.6
	Restricted cash	260.7				—			—				260.7
	Total assets	$	491.3			$	—		$	—			$	491.3
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate hedges:(1)
	Wholly-owned subsidiaries	$	—			$	21.7		$	—			$	21.7
	Partially-owned subsidiaries	—				2.1			—				2.1
	Total liabilities	$	—			$	23.8		$	—			$	23.8
	(1) Included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
	Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for that asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. An entity is required to establish a fair value hierarchy that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values are listed below:
	Level 1 – This level is defined as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The Company’s cash equivalents and restricted cash are instruments of the U.S. Treasury or highly-rated money market mutual funds.
	Level 2 – This level is defined as observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. The Company’s fuel derivative instruments, which are commodity swaps, are valued using energy and commodity market data. Interest rate hedges are valued at exit prices obtained from each counterparty. See Note 7 Derivative Instruments and Note 11 Debt.
	Level 3 – This level is defined as unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt are as follows:
			31-Dec-14							31-Dec-13
			Carrying				Estimated			Carrying				Estimated
			Value				Fair Value			Value				Fair Value
			(in millions)
	Recourse:
	Senior notes		$	399.6			$	387		$	—			$	—
	Convertible subordinated notes		449.5				593.9			450				593.4
	Less: unamortized discount		(59.6		)					(74.1		)
			389.9							375.9
	Capital lease obligations		39.1				39.1			42.2				42.2
	Other		0.7				0.7			0.9				0.9
			829.3				1,020.70			419				636.5
	Non-recourse:
	2006 secured railcar equipment notes		223				245.6			240.7				259.2
	Promissory notes		363.9				362.7			396.1				389.6
	2009 secured railcar equipment notes		188.8				227.7			199				229.5
	2010 secured railcar equipment notes		311.5				344			326.9				342.7
	TILC warehouse facility		120.6				120.6			152				152
	TRL 2012 secured railcar equipment notes		472.2				470.3			499.3				483.4
	(RIV 2013)
	TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes		1,043.70				1,121.40			756.8				819.8
			2,723.70				2,892.30			2,570.80				2,676.20
	Total		$	3,553.00			$	3,913.00		$	2,989.80			$	3,312.70
	The estimated fair value of our senior notes and convertible subordinated notes were based on a quoted market price in a market with little activity as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively (Level 2 input). The estimated fair values of our 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2012 secured railcar equipment notes, promissory notes, and TRIP Rail Master Funding LLC (“TRIP Master Funding”) secured railcar equipment notes are based on our estimate of their fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These values were determined by discounting their future cash flows at the current market interest rate (Level 3 inputs). The carrying value of our Trinity Industries Leasing Company (“TILC”) warehouse facility approximates fair value because the interest rate adjusts to the market interest rate (Level 3 input). The fair values of all other financial instruments are estimated to approximate carrying value. See Note 11 Debt for a description of the Company's long-term debt.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	The Company reports operating results in five principal business segments: (1) the Rail Group, which manufactures and sells railcars and related parts and components; (2) the Construction Products Group, which manufactures and sells highway products and other primarily-steel products and services for infrastructure-related projects, and produces and sells aggregates; (3) the Inland Barge Group, which manufactures and sells barges and related products for inland waterway services; (4) the Energy Equipment Group, which manufactures and sells products for energy-related businesses, including structural wind towers, storage and distribution containers, tank heads for pressure and non-pressure vessels, and utility structures for electricity transmission and distribution; and (5) the Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (“Leasing Group”), which owns and operates a fleet of railcars as well as provides third-party fleet leasing, management, maintenance, and administrative services. The segment All Other includes our captive insurance and transportation companies; legal, environmental, and maintenance costs associated with non-operating facilities; and other peripheral businesses. Gains and losses from the sale of property, plant, and equipment that are related to manufacturing and dedicated to the specific manufacturing operations of a particular segment are included in operating profit of that respective segment. Gains and losses from the sale of property, plant, and equipment that can be utilized by multiple segments are included in operating profit of the All Other segment.
	Sales and related net profits from the Rail Group to the Leasing Group are recorded in the Rail Group and eliminated in consolidation. Sales between these groups are recorded at prices comparable to those charged to external customers, taking into consideration quantity, features, and production demand. Intersegment sales and net profit ("deferred profit") are eliminated in consolidation and reflected in the "Eliminations – Lease subsidiary" line in the table below. Amortization of deferred profit on railcars sold to the Leasing Group is included in the operating profit of the Leasing Group, resulting in the recognition of depreciation expense based on the Company's original manufacturing cost of the railcars. Sales of railcars from the lease fleet are included in the Leasing Group, with related gains and losses computed based on the net book value of the original manufacturing cost of the railcars.
	The financial information from continuing operations for these segments is shown in the tables below. We operate principally in North America.
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Revenues								Operating Profit (Loss)			Assets			Depreciation & Amortization			Capital Expenditures
		External		Intersegment			Total
		(in millions)
	Rail Group	$	3,077.60	$	739.2		$	3,816.80		$	724.1		$	1,322.40		$	32.7		$	98.3
	Construction Products Group	546.1		5.6			551.7			65.4			459.3			22.7			37.1
	Inland Barge Group	638.5		—			638.5			114.4			177.1			9.3			9.7
	Energy Equipment Group	796		196.3			992.3			108.1			1,160.00			33			56
	Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group	1,106.40		11.9			1,118.30			516.3			4,972.10			130			245.3
	All Other	5.4		105			110.4			(25.6		)	56.3			9.6			9.3
	Segment Totals before Eliminations and Corporate	6,170.00		1,058.00			7,228.00			1,502.70			8,147.20			237.3			455.7
	Corporate	—		—			—			(119.0		)	1,147.10			7.4			8.9
	Eliminations – Lease subsidiary	—		(710.1		)	(710.1		)	(133.1		)	(557.2		)	—			—
	Eliminations – Other	—		(347.9		)	(347.9		)	0.4			(3.3		)	(0.1		)	—
	Consolidated Total	$	6,170.00	$	—		$	6,170.00		$	1,251.00		$	8,733.80		$	244.6		$	464.6
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Revenues								Operating Profit (Loss)			Assets			Depreciation & Amortization			Capital Expenditures
		External		Intersegment			Total
		(in millions)
	Rail Group	$	2,093.50	$	774		$	2,867.50		$	489.7		$	1,063.90		$	27.2		$	42.4
	Construction Products Group	508.6		16.4			525			52.6			459.9			20.9			17.1
	Inland Barge Group	576.6		0.1			576.7			96			170.3			8.1			18.4
	Energy Equipment Group	536.5		128.9			665.4			61.4			364.3			18.2			41.5
	Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group	645.4		—			645.4			296.8			5,026.90			129			581.1
	All Other	4.7		81.9			86.6			(13.7		)	49.8			3.7			4.4
	Segment Totals before Eliminations and Corporate	4,365.30		1,001.30			5,366.60			982.8			7,135.10			207.1			704.9
	Corporate	—		—			—			(73.4		)	731			4.5			26.1
	Eliminations – Lease subsidiary	—		(756.5		)	(756.5		)	(135.4		)	(549.7		)	—			—
	Eliminations – Other	—		(244.8		)	(244.8		)	(1.1		)	(3.0		)	(0.1		)	—
	Consolidated Total	$	4,365.30	$	—		$	4,365.30		$	772.9		$	7,313.40		$	211.5		$	731
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Revenues								Operating Profit (Loss)			Assets			Depreciation & Amortization			Capital Expenditures
		External		Intersegment			Total
		(in millions)
	Rail Group	$	1,512.10	$	500.9		$	2,013.00		$	199		$	916.2		$	21.8		$	47.8
	Construction Products Group	461.2		22.5			483.7			44.8			415.2			16.6			15.7
	Inland Barge Group	675.2		—			675.2			124.7			154.4			7.6			15
	Energy Equipment Group	506		52.6			558.6			18.2			400.1			19			25.2
	Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group	644.4		2.7			647.1			300.9			4,538.80			120.5			352.6
	All Other	13		68.4			81.4			(10.2		)	30.9			4.4			6.6
	Segment Totals before Eliminations and Corporate	3,811.90		647.1			4,459.00			677.4			6,455.60			189.9			462.9
	Corporate	—		—			—			(51.5		)	744.9			3.9			6.3
	Eliminations – Lease subsidiary	—		(485.9		)	(485.9		)	(50.8		)	(446.2		)	—			—
	Eliminations – Other	—		(161.2		)	(161.2		)	(0.3		)	(112.3		)	(0.1		)	—
	Consolidated Total	$	3,811.90	$	—		$	3,811.90		$	574.8		$	6,642.00		$	193.7		$	469.2
	Corporate assets are composed of cash and cash equivalents, short-term marketable securities, notes receivable, certain property, plant, and equipment, and other assets. Capital expenditures do not include business acquisitions.
	Externally reported revenues and operating profit for our Mexico operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are presented below. Our Canadian operations were not significant in relation to the consolidated financial statements.
		External Revenues								Operating Profit
		Year Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Mexico	$	130.4	$	133.5		$	96.4		$	16.8		$	4		$	0.2
	Total assets and long-lived assets for our Mexico operations as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:
		Total Assets					Long-Lived Assets
		December 31,
		2014		2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Mexico	$	339	$	306.9		$	189.4		$	177.7

PartiallyOwned_Leasing_Subsidi

Partially-Owned Leasing Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Partially-Owned Leasing Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Partially-Owned Leasing Subsidiaries	Partially-Owned Leasing Subsidiaries
	The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TILC, formed two subsidiaries, TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013, for the purpose of providing railcar leasing in North America. Each of TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013 are direct, partially-owned subsidiaries of TILC and are each governed by a seven-member board of representatives, two of whom are designated by TILC. TILC is the agent of each of TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013 and as such, has been delegated the authority, power, and discretion to take certain actions on behalf of the respective companies. Each of TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013 in turn has wholly-owned subsidiaries which are the owners of railcars. These wholly-owned subsidiaries are TRIP Master Funding (wholly-owned by TRIP Holdings) and Trinity Rail Leasing 2012 LLC ("TRL 2012", wholly-owned by RIV 2013). TILC is the contractual servicer for TRIP Master Funding and TRL 2012, with the authority to manage and service each entity's owned railcars. The Company's controlling interest in each of TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013 results from its combined role as both equity member and agent/servicer. The noncontrolling interest included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets represents the non-Trinity equity interest in these partially-owned subsidiaries. The railcars owned by TRIP Master Funding were originally acquired from the Company's Rail and Leasing Groups by TRIP Rail Leasing LLC ("TRIP Leasing"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TRIP Holdings. TRIP Master Funding acquired the railcars from TRIP Leasing in July 2011. TRIP Leasing currently owns no railcars and is not expected to acquire any railcars.
	TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013, through TRIP Leasing and TRL 2012, respectively, acquired railcars from the Company's Rail and Leasing Groups funded by capital contributions from TILC and third-party equity investors, and from secured borrowings. Railcars purchased from the Company by TRIP Master Funding and TRL 2012 are required to be purchased at fair value as determined by TILC and approved by the boards of representatives of TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013, respectively. The assets of each of TRIP Master Funding and TRL 2012 may only be used to satisfy the particular subsidiary's liabilities, and the creditors of each of TRIP Master Funding and TRL 2012 have recourse only to the particular subsidiary's assets. Each of TILC and the third-party equity investors receive distributions from TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013, when allowed, in proportion to its respective equity interests, and has an interest in the net assets of the partially-owned subsidiaries upon a liquidation event in the same proportion. TILC is paid fees for the services it provides to TRIP Master Funding and TRL 2012 and has the potential to earn certain incentive fees. With respect to TRIP Holdings as of December 31, 2014, TILC has a commitment that expires in May 2016 to provide additional equity funding of up to $5.7 million for the purchase of railcars and satisfaction of certain other liabilities of TRIP Holdings. The third-party equity investors in TRIP Holdings have a similar commitment that expires in May 2016 to provide up to $12.9 million of additional equity funding. TILC and the third-party equity investors may have additional commitments to provide equity funding to TRIP Holdings that expire in May 2019 contingent upon certain returns on investment in TRIP Holdings and other conditions being met. Trinity has no obligation to guarantee performance under any of the partially-owned subsidiaries' (or their respective subsidiaries') debt agreements, guarantee any railcar residual values, shield any parties from losses, or guarantee minimum yields.
	In May 2014, TILC and the third-party investors of TRIP Holdings contributed $21.6 million and $49.6 million, respectively, net of expenses, to TRIP Holdings. These contributions, combined with additional secured borrowings, were used to purchase additional railcar equipment from TILC. At December 31, 2014, the Company's carrying value of its investment in TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013 totaled $229.1 million representing the Company's weighted average 39% ownership interest. The Company's investments in its partially-owned leasing subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation.
	See Note 11 Debt regarding the debt of TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013 and their respective subsidiaries.

Railcar_Leasing_and_Management

Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group	Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
	The Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group owns and operates a fleet of railcars as well as provides third-party fleet management, maintenance, and leasing services. Selected consolidating financial information for the Leasing Group is as follows:
		31-Dec-14
		Leasing Group
		Wholly-			Partially-			Manufacturing/			Total
		Owned			Owned			Corporate
		Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in millions)
	Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities	$	11.9		$	—		$	951		$	962.9
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	2,599.20		$	1,999.90		$	861		$	5,460.10
	Net deferred profit on railcars sold to the Leasing Group										(557.2		)
	Consolidated property, plant, and equipment, net										$	4,902.90
	Restricted cash	$	142.8		$	91.9		$	—		$	234.7
	Debt:
	Recourse	$	39.1		$	—		$	850.2		$	889.3
	Less: unamortized discount	—			—			(60.0		)	(60.0		)
		39.1			—			790.2			829.3
	Non-recourse	1,207.80			1,515.90			—			2,723.70
	Total debt	$	1,246.90		$	1,515.90		$	790.2		$	3,553.00
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	658.2		$	0.9		$	(44.1	)	$	615
		31-Dec-13
		Leasing Group
		Wholly-			Partially-			Manufacturing/			Total
		Owned			Owned			Corporate
		Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in millions)
	Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities	$	3.5		$	—		$	574.7		$	578.2
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	2,964.60		$	1,685.10		$	670.6		$	5,320.30
	Net deferred profit on railcars sold to the Leasing Group										(549.7		)
	Consolidated property, plant, and equipment, net										$	4,770.60
	Restricted cash	$	183.6		$	77.1		$	—		$	260.7
	Debt:
	Recourse	$	42.2		$	—		$	450.9		$	493.1
	Less: unamortized discount	—			—			(74.1		)	(74.1		)
		42.2			—			376.8			419
	Non-recourse	1,314.70			1,256.10			—			2,570.80
	Total debt	$	1,356.90		$	1,256.10		$	376.8		$	2,989.80
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	671.9		$	—		$	(32.5	)	$	639.4
	Net deferred profit on railcars sold to the Leasing Group consists of intersegment profit that is eliminated in consolidation and is, therefore, not allocated to an operating segment. See Note 5 Partially-Owned Leasing Subsidiaries and Note 11 Debt for a further discussion regarding the Company’s investment in its partially-owned leasing subsidiaries and the related indebtedness.
		Year Ended December 31,									Percent Change
		2014			2013			2012			2014 versus 2013			2013 versus 2012
		($ in millions)
	Revenues:
	Leasing and management	$	632		$	586.9		$	528.5		7.7	%		11.1	%
	Sale of railcars owned one year or less at the time of sale	486.3			58.5			118.6
	Total revenues	$	1,118.30		$	645.4		$	647.1		73.3			(0.3	)
	Operating profit:
	Leasing and management	$	287.9		$	267.3		$	242.6		7.7			10.2
	Railcar sales:
	Railcars owned one year or less at the time of sale	136.1			9.1			24.8
	Railcars owned more than one year at the time of sale	92.3			20.4			33.5
	Total operating profit	$	516.3		$	296.8		$	300.9		74			(1.4	)
	Operating profit margin:
	Leasing and management	45.6		%	45.5		%	45.9		%
	Railcar sales	*			*			*
	Total operating profit margin	46.2			46			46.5
	Selected expense information(1):
	Depreciation	$	130		$	129		$	120.5		0.8			7.1
	Maintenance	$	78.9		$	71.5		$	59.4		10.3			20.4
	Rent	$	52.9		$	53.3		$	50.9		(0.8	)		4.7
	Interest:
	External	$	153.3		$	153.5		$	161.2
	Intercompany	—			3.8			13.1
	Total interest expense	$	153.3		$	157.3		$	174.3		(2.5	)		(9.8	)
* Not meaningful
(1) Depreciation, maintenance, and rent expense are components of operating profit. Amortization of deferred profit on railcars sold from the Rail Group to the Leasing Group is included in the operating profit of the Leasing Group resulting in the recognition of depreciation expense based on the Company's original manufacturing cost of the railcars. Interest expense is not a component of operating profit and includes the effect of hedges. Intercompany interest expense is eliminated in consolidation and arises from Trinity’s previous ownership of a portion of TRIP Holdings’ Senior Secured Notes, which notes were retired in full in May 2013. See Note 11 Debt.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company received proceeds of $882.7 million from the sale of leased railcars to Element Financial Corporation ("Element") under the strategic alliance with Element announced in December 2013, including $200.4 million recorded as revenue by the Rail Group. From the total proceeds received from Element, the Leasing Group recorded $446.6 million in revenue from the sale of railcars owned one year or less at the time of sale. The remainder of the proceeds of $235.7 million is attributable to the sale of railcars owned more than one year at the time of sale and is, consequently, excluded from revenue. Since the inception of our alliance, the Company has received proceeds of $987.7 million from the sale of leased railcars to Element.
Equipment consists primarily of railcars leased by third parties. The Leasing Group purchases equipment manufactured predominantly by the Rail Group and enters into lease contracts with third parties with terms generally ranging between one and twenty years. The Leasing Group primarily enters into operating leases. Future contractual minimum rental revenues on leases are as follows:
	2015			2016			2017			2018				2019			Thereafter			Total
	(in millions)
Future contractual minimum rental revenues	$	462.9		$	388.8		$	319.9		$	248.1			$	168.5		$	227.2		$	1,815.40
Debt. The Leasing Group’s debt at December 31, 2014 consisted of both recourse and non-recourse debt. In 2009, the Company entered into capital lease obligations totaling $56.6 million. The capital lease obligations are guaranteed by Trinity Industries, Inc. and certain subsidiaries, and secured by railcar equipment and related leases. As of December 31, 2014, Trinity’s wholly-owned subsidiaries included in the Leasing Group held equipment with a net book value of $1,841.9 million which is pledged as collateral for Leasing Group debt held by those subsidiaries, including equipment with a net book value of $45.6 million securing capital lease obligations. The net book value of unpledged equipment at December 31, 2014 was $672.8 million. See Note 11 Debt for the form, maturities, and descriptions of Leasing Group debt.
Partially-owned subsidiaries. Debt owed by TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013 and their respective subsidiaries is non-recourse to Trinity and TILC. Creditors of each of TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013 and their respective subsidiaries have recourse only to the particular subsidiary's assets. TRIP Master Funding equipment with a net book value of $1,398.1 million is pledged as collateral for the TRIP Master Funding debt. TRL 2012 equipment with a net book value of $601.7 million is pledged solely as collateral for the TRL 2012 secured railcar equipment notes. See Note 5 Partially-Owned Leasing Subsidiaries for a description of TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements. In prior years, the Leasing Group completed a series of financing transactions whereby railcars were sold to one or more separate independent owner trusts (“Trusts”). Each of the Trusts financed the purchase of the railcars with a combination of debt and equity. In each transaction, the equity participant in the Trust is considered to be the primary beneficiary of the Trust and therefore, the debt related to the Trust is not included as part of the consolidated financial statements. The Leasing Group, through wholly-owned, qualified subsidiaries, leased railcars from the Trusts under operating leases with terms of 22 years, and subleased the railcars to independent third-party customers under shorter term operating rental agreements. Under the terms of the operating lease agreements between the subsidiaries and the Trusts, the Leasing Group has the option to purchase at a predetermined fixed price, certain of the railcars from the Trusts in 2016 and other railcars in 2019. The Leasing Group also has options to purchase the railcars at the end of the respective lease agreements in 2023, 2026, and 2027 at the then fair market value of the railcars as determined by a third party, independent appraisal. At the expiration of the operating lease agreements, the Company has no further obligations with respect to the leased railcars.
These Leasing Group subsidiaries had total assets as of December 31, 2014 of $195.5 million, including cash of $71.1 million and railcars of $83.7 million. The subsidiaries' cash, railcars, and an interest in each sublease are pledged to collateralize the lease obligations to the Trusts and are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. Trinity does not guarantee the performance of the subsidiaries’ lease obligations. Certain ratios and cash deposits must be maintained by the Leasing Group’s subsidiaries in order for excess cash flow, as defined in the agreements, from the lease to third parties to be available to Trinity. Future operating lease obligations of the Leasing Group’s subsidiaries as well as future contractual minimum rental revenues related to these leases due to the Leasing Group are as follows:
		2015			2016			2017			2018				2019			Thereafter			Total
		(in millions)
Future operating lease obligations of Trusts’ railcars		$	43		$	40		$	41.8		$	45.2			$	43.5		$	209.7		$	423.2
Future contractual minimum rental revenues of Trusts’ railcars		$	73		$	60.6		$	46.2		$	35.4			$	23.1		$	35.6		$	273.9
In each transaction, the Leasing Group has entered into a servicing and re-marketing agreement with the Trusts that requires the Leasing Group to endeavor, consistent with customary commercial practice as would be used by a prudent person, to maintain railcars under lease for the benefit of the Trusts. The Leasing Group also receives management fees under the terms of the agreements. In each transaction, an independent trustee for the Trusts has authority for appointment of the railcar fleet manager.
Operating Lease Obligations. Future amounts due as well as future contractual minimum rental revenues related to operating leases other than leases discussed above are as follows:
		2015			2016			2017			2018				2019			Thereafter			Total
		(in millions)
Future operating lease obligations		$	13		$	12.8		$	12.1		$	12			$	9.5		$	28.7		$	88.1
Future contractual minimum rental revenues		$	18.7		$	17.4		$	10.6		$	6.2			$	3.4		$	5.8		$	62.1
Operating lease obligations totaling $17.6 million are guaranteed by Trinity Industries, Inc. and certain subsidiaries.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments
	We use derivative instruments to mitigate the impact of changes in interest rates, both in anticipation of future debt issuances and to offset interest rate variability of certain floating rate debt issuances outstanding. We also use derivative instruments to mitigate the impact of changes in natural gas and diesel fuel prices and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. For derivative instruments designated as hedges, the Company formally documents the relationship between the derivative instrument and the hedged item, as well as the risk management objective and strategy for the use of the derivative instrument. This documentation includes linking the derivatives that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet, commitments, or forecasted transactions. At the time a derivative instrument is entered into, and at least quarterly thereafter, the Company assesses whether the derivative instrument is effective in offsetting the changes in fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. Any change in fair value resulting in ineffectiveness, as defined by accounting standards issued by the FASB, is recognized in current period earnings. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recorded in AOCL as a separate component of stockholders' equity and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Trinity monitors its derivative positions and the credit ratings of its counterparties and does not anticipate losses due to counterparties' non-performance. See Note 3 Fair Value Accounting for discussion of how the Company valued its commodity hedges and interest rate swaps at December 31, 2014. See Note 11 Debt for a description of the Company's debt instruments.
	Interest rate hedges
								Included in accompanying balance sheet
								at December 31, 2014
		Notional			Interest			Liability				AOCL –				Noncontrolling
		Amount			Rate(1)							loss/				Interest
												(income)
		(in millions, except %)
	Expired hedges:
	2006 secured railcar equipment notes	$	200		4.87	%		$	—			$	(1.3	)		$	—
	Promissory notes	$	370		5.34	%		$	—			$	1.2			$	—
	TRIP Holdings warehouse loan	$	788.5		3.6	%		$	—			$	10			$	13.6
	Open hedges:
	TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes	$	56.3		2.62	%		$	2			$	0.8			$	1.1
	Promissory notes	$	387.6		4.13	%		$	6.4			$	5.3			$	—
	(1)	Weighted average fixed interest rate
		Effect on interest expense-increase/(decrease)
		Year Ended December 31,											Expected effect during next twelve months(1)
		2014			2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Expired hedges:
	2006 secured railcar equipment notes	$	(0.3	)	$	(0.3	)		$	(0.3	)		$	(0.3	)
	Promissory notes	$	2.9		$	3.1			$	3.3			$	1.2
	TRIP Holdings warehouse loan	$	5.1		$	6.1			$	6			$	4.9
	Open hedges:
	TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes	$	1.5		$	1.8			$	2			$	1.2
	Promissory notes	$	15.4		$	15.8			$	18.4			$	6.4
	(1)Based on the fair value of open hedges as of December 31, 2014
	During 2005 and 2006, we entered into interest rate swap derivatives in anticipation of issuing our 2006 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes. These derivative instruments, with a notional amount of $200.0 million, were settled in 2006 and fixed the interest rate on a portion of the related debt issuance. These derivative instrument transactions are being accounted for as cash flow hedges with changes in the fair value of the instruments of $4.5 million in income recorded in AOCL through the date the related debt issuance closed in 2006. The balance is being amortized over the term of the related debt. The effect on interest expense is due to amortization of the AOCL balance.
	During 2006 and 2007, we entered into interest rate swap derivatives in anticipation of issuing our Promissory Notes. These derivative instruments, with a notional amount of $370.0 million, were settled in 2008 and fixed the interest rate on a portion of the related debt issuance. These derivative instrument transactions are being accounted for as cash flow hedges with changes in the fair value of the instruments of $24.5 million recorded as a loss in AOCL through the date the related debt issuance closed in 2008. The balance is being amortized over the term of the related debt. The effect on interest expense is due to amortization of the AOCL balance.
	In 2008, we entered into an interest rate swap derivative instrument, expiring in 2015, to fix the variable Libor component of the Promissory Notes. This derivative instrument transaction is being accounted for as a cash flow hedge. The effect on interest expense results primarily from monthly interest settlements.
	Between 2007 and 2009, TRIP Holdings, as required by the TRIP Warehouse Loan, entered into interest rate swap derivatives, all of which qualified as cash flow hedges, to reduce the effect of changes in variable interest rates in the TRIP Warehouse Loan. In July 2011, these interest rate hedges were terminated in connection with the refinancing of the TRIP Warehouse Loan. Balances included in AOCL at the date the hedges were terminated are being amortized over the expected life of the new debt with $4.9 million of additional interest expense expected to be recognized during the twelve months following December 31, 2014. Also in July 2011, TRIP Holdings’ wholly-owned subsidiary, TRIP Master Funding, entered into an interest rate swap derivative instrument, expiring in 2021, with a notional amount of $94.1 million to reduce the effect of changes in variable interest rates associated with the Class A-1b notes of the TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes. The effect on interest expense is primarily a result of monthly interest settlements.
	See Note 11 Debt regarding the related debt instruments.
	Other Derivatives
		Effect on operating income - increase/(decrease)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Fuel hedges(1)	$	(2.3	)	$	—			$	0.4
	Foreign exchange hedges(2)	$	—		$	—			$	(0.4	)
	(1)	Included in cost of revenues in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations
	(2)	Included in other, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations
	Natural gas and diesel fuel
	We maintain a program to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in the price of natural gas and diesel fuel. The intent of the program is to protect our operating profit from adverse price changes by entering into derivative instruments. For those instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, any changes in their valuation are recorded directly to the consolidated statement of operations. The amount recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 for these instruments was a liability of $2.1 million.
	Foreign exchange hedge
	We enter into foreign exchange hedges to mitigate the impact on operating profit of unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014 for these instruments were not significant. These instruments are short term with quarterly maturities and no remaining balance in AOCL as of December 31, 2014.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant, and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant, and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment
	The following table summarizes the components of property, plant, and equipment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Manufacturing/Corporate:
	Land	$	81.4		$	44.2
	Buildings and improvements	548.2			463.2
	Machinery and other	975.7			832.5
	Construction in progress	76.4			79
		1,681.70			1,418.90
	Less accumulated depreciation	(820.7		)	(748.3		)
		861			670.6
	Leasing:
	Wholly-owned subsidiaries:
	Machinery and other	10.7			10.3
	Equipment on lease	3,189.60			3,509.10
		3,200.30			3,519.40
	Less accumulated depreciation	(601.1		)	(554.8		)
		2,599.20			2,964.60
	Partially-owned subsidiaries:
	Equipment on lease	2,261.20			1,887.20
	Less accumulated depreciation	(261.3		)	(202.1		)
		1,999.90			1,685.10
	Net deferred profit on railcars sold to the Leasing Group	(557.2		)	(549.7		)
		$	4,902.90		$	4,770.60
	We lease certain equipment and facilities under operating leases. Future minimum rent expense on non-Leasing Group leases in each year is (in millions): 2015 - $7.0; 2016 - $5.0; 2017 - $3.5; 2018 - $2.1; 2019 - $1.0; and $0.8 thereafter. See Note 6 Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group for information related to the lease agreements, future operating lease obligations, and future minimum rent expense associated with the Leasing Group.
	We did not capitalize any interest expense as part of the construction of facilities and equipment during 2014 or 2013.
	We estimate the fair market value of properties no longer in use based on the location and condition of the properties, the fair market value of similar properties in the area, and the Company's experience selling similar properties in the past. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had non-operating plants with a net book value of $18.4 million. Our estimated fair value of these assets exceeds their book value.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill
	Goodwill by segment is as follows:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in millions)
	Rail Group	$	134.6	$	134.6
	Construction Products Group	128.3		126.9
	Energy Equipment Group	508.5		14.9
	Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group	1.8		1.8
		$	773.2	$	278.2
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's annual impairment test of goodwill was completed at the reporting unit level and no additional impairment charges were determined to be necessary. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Rail Group goodwill is net of a 2009 impairment charge of $325.0 million.
	The increase in the Construction Products Group and Energy Equipment Group goodwill as of December 31, 2014 is due to acquisition activities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, including the acquisition of Meyer. See Note 2 Acquisitions and Divestitures.

Warranties

Warranties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Warranties	Warranties
	The changes in the accruals for warranties for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
		31-Dec-14			December 31, 2013			31-Dec-12
		(in millions)
	Beginning balance	$	14.7		$	12.5		$	13.5
	Warranty costs incurred	(6.1		)	(5.9		)	(5.9		)
	Warranty originations and revisions	12.6			11.9			7.7
	Warranty expirations	(3.4		)	(3.8		)	(2.8		)
	Ending balance	$	17.8		$	14.7		$	12.5

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	The following table summarizes the components of debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in millions)
	Corporate – Recourse:
	Revolving credit facility	$	—	$	—
	Senior notes, net of unamortized discount of $0.4 and $-	399.6		—
	Convertible subordinated notes, net of unamortized discount of $59.6 and $74.1	389.9		375.9
	Other	0.7		0.9
		790.2		376.8
	Leasing – Recourse:
	Capital lease obligations	39.1		42.2
	Total recourse debt	829.3		419
	Leasing – Non-recourse:
	Wholly-owned subsidiaries:
	2006 secured railcar equipment notes	223		240.7
	Promissory notes	363.9		396.1
	2009 secured railcar equipment notes	188.8		199
	2010 secured railcar equipment notes	311.5		326.9
	TILC warehouse facility	120.6		152
		1,207.80		1,314.70
	Partially-owned subsidiaries:
	TRL 2012 secured railcar equipment notes (RIV 2013)	472.2		499.3
	TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes	1,043.70		756.8
		1,515.90		1,256.10
	Total non–recourse debt	2,723.70		2,570.80
	Total debt	$	3,553.00	$	2,989.80
	Corporate
	We have a $425.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility that matures on October 20, 2016. As of December 31, 2014, we had letters of credit issued under our revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $88.6 million, leaving $336.4 million available for borrowing. Other than these letters of credit, there were no borrowings under our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2014, or for the twelve month period then ended. Of the outstanding letters of credit as of December 31, 2014, a total of $88.5 million is expected to expire in 2015 and the remainder in 2016. The majority of our letters of credit obligations support the Company’s various insurance programs and generally renew each year. Trinity’s revolving credit facility requires the maintenance of ratios related to minimum interest coverage for the leasing and manufacturing operations and maximum leverage. As of December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all such financial covenants. Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at Libor plus 1.50% or prime plus 0.50% and are guaranteed by certain 100%-owned subsidiaries of the Company.
	The Company's $450.0 million of Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2036 (“Convertible Subordinated Notes”) bear an interest rate of 3 7/8% per annum on the principal amount payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year. In addition, commencing with the six-month period beginning June 1, 2018 and for each six-month period thereafter, we will pay contingent interest to the holders of the Convertible Subordinated Notes under certain circumstances. The Convertible Subordinated Notes mature on June 1, 2036, unless redeemed, repurchased, or converted earlier. We may not redeem the Convertible Subordinated Notes before June 1, 2018. On or after that date, we may redeem all or part of the Convertible Subordinated Notes for cash at 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest (including any contingent interest) up to, but excluding, the redemption date. Holders of the Convertible Subordinated Notes may require us to purchase all or a portion of their notes on June 1, 2018 or upon a fundamental change. In each case, the Convertible Subordinated Notes would be purchased for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest (including any contingent interest) up to, but excluding, the purchase date.
	The Convertible Subordinated Notes are recorded net of unamortized discount to reflect their underlying economics by capturing the value of the conversion option as borrowing costs. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, capital in excess of par value included $92.5 million and $92.8 million, respectively, related to the estimated value of the Convertible Subordinated Notes’ conversion options, in accordance with ASC 470-20. Debt discount recorded in the consolidated balance sheet is being amortized through June 1, 2018 to yield an effective annual interest rate of 8.42% based upon the estimated market interest rate for comparable non-convertible debt as of the issuance date of the Convertible Subordinated Notes. Total interest expense recognized on the Convertible Subordinated Notes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in millions)
	Coupon rate interest	$	17.4	$	17.4	$	17.4
	Amortized debt discount	14.5		13.4		12.3
		$	31.9	$	30.8	$	29.7
	Holders of the Convertible Subordinated Notes may convert their notes under the following circumstances: 1) if the daily closing price of our common stock is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price during 20 of the last 30 trading days of the preceding calendar quarter; 2) upon notice of redemption; or 3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions pursuant to the terms of the applicable indenture. Upon conversion, the Company is required to pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Subordinated Notes to be converted. Any conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Subordinated Notes to be converted may be settled in cash, shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, at the Company’s election. The conversion price, which is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, was $25.22 per share as of December 31, 2014. The Convertible Subordinated Notes were not subject to conversion as of January 1, 2015. See Note 17 Earnings Per Common Share for an explanation of the effects of the Convertible Subordinated Notes on earnings per share. The Company has not entered into any derivatives transactions associated with these notes.
	In September 2014, the Company issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.55% senior notes ("Senior Notes") due October 2024. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semiannually commencing April 1, 2015. The Senior Notes rank senior to existing and future subordinated debt including the Company's Convertible Subordinated Notes and rank equal to existing and future senior indebtedness, including the Company's revolving credit facility. The Senior Notes are subordinated to all the Company's existing and future secured debt to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. The Senior Notes contain covenants that limit our ability and/or certain subsidiaries' ability to create or permit to exist certain liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate, merge, or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. The Company’s Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by each of Trinity’s domestic subsidiaries that is a guarantor under the Company's revolving credit facility. See Note 19 Financial Statements for Guarantors of the Senior Notes.
	Wholly-owned leasing subsidiaries
	In May 2006, Trinity Rail Leasing V, L.P., a limited partnership (“TRL V”) and a limited purpose, indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company owned through TILC issued $355.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Secured Railcar Equipment Notes, Series 2006-1A (the “2006 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes”), of which $223.0 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2014. The 2006 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes were issued pursuant to a Master Indenture, dated May 24, 2006, between TRL V and Wilmington Trust Company, as indenture trustee. The 2006 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.90% per annum, are payable monthly, and have a final maturity of May 14, 2036. The 2006 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes are obligations of TRL V and are non-recourse to Trinity. The obligations are secured by a portfolio of railcars and operating leases thereon, certain cash reserves, and other assets acquired and owned by TRL V.
	In May 2008, Trinity Rail Leasing VI LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TRL VI”) and a limited purpose, indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company owned through TILC issued $572.2 million of 30-year promissory notes (the “Promissory Notes”) to financial institutions, of which $363.9 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2014. The Promissory Notes are secured by a portfolio of railcars and operating leases thereon, certain cash reserves, and other assets acquired and owned by TRL VI. The Promissory Notes are obligations of TRL VI and are non-recourse to Trinity. The Promissory Notes bear interest at a floating rate of one-month Libor plus a margin of 1.50%. The Libor portion of the interest rate on the Promissory Notes is fixed at 4.13% for the first seven years from the date of issuance of the Promissory Notes through interest rate swaps. The interest rate margin on the Promissory Notes will increase by 0.50% on each of the seventh and eighth anniversary dates of the issuance of the Promissory Notes, and by an additional 2.00% on the tenth anniversary date of the issuance of the Promissory Notes. The Promissory Notes may be prepaid at any time.
	In November 2009, Trinity Rail Leasing VII LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TRL VII”) and a limited purpose, indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company owned through TILC, issued $238.3 million in aggregate principal amount of Secured Railcar Equipment Notes, Series 2009-1 (“the 2009 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes”), of which $188.8 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2014. The 2009 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes were issued pursuant to a Master Indenture, dated November 5, 2009 between TRL VII and Wilmington Trust Company, as indenture trustee. The 2009 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.66% per annum, are payable monthly, and have a final maturity date of November 16, 2039. The 2009 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes are obligations of TRL VII and are non-recourse to Trinity. The obligations are secured by a portfolio of railcars and operating leases thereon, certain cash reserves, and other assets acquired and owned by TRL VII.
	In October 2010, Trinity Rail Leasing 2010 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("TRL 2010") and a limited purpose, indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company owned through TILC, issued $369.2 million in aggregate principal amount of Secured Railcar Equipment Notes, Series 2010-1 (“2010 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes"), of which $311.5 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2014. The 2010 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of October 25, 2010 between TRL 2010 and Wilmington Trust Company, as indenture trustee. The 2010 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.19%, are payable monthly, and have a stated final maturity date of October 16, 2040. The 2010 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes are obligations of TRL 2010 and are non-recourse to Trinity. The obligations are secured by a portfolio of railcars and operating leases thereon, certain cash reserves, and other assets acquired and owned by TRL 2010.
	The $475.0 million TILC warehouse loan facility, established to finance railcars owned by TILC, had $120.6 million outstanding with $354.4 million unused, of which $334.6 million was available as of December 31, 2014 based on the amount of warehouse-eligible, unpledged equipment. The warehouse loan is a non-recourse obligation secured by a portfolio of railcars and operating leases, certain cash reserves, and other assets acquired and owned by the warehouse loan facility trust. The principal and interest of this indebtedness are paid from the cash flows of the underlying leases. Advances under the facility bear interest at a defined index rate plus a margin, for an all-in interest rate of 1.94% at December 31, 2014. The warehouse loan facility has been renewed and extended through June 2015. Amounts outstanding at maturity, absent renewal, will be payable in three installments in December 2015, June 2016, and December 2016.
	In 2009, the Company entered into capital lease obligations totaling $56.6 million, of which $39.1 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2014. The capital lease obligations are guaranteed by the Company and certain subsidiaries and secured by railcar equipment and related leases.
	Partially-owned leasing subsidiaries
	In July 2011, TRIP Holdings issued $175.0 million in Senior Secured Notes (the “TRIP Holdings Senior Secured Notes”) and TRIP Master Funding, a Delaware limited liability company and limited purpose, wholly-owned subsidiary of TRIP Holdings, issued $857.0 million in Secured Railcar Equipment Notes (the “TRIP Master Funding Secured Railcar Equipment Notes”). The proceeds from the TRIP Holdings Senior Secured Notes and the TRIP Master Funding Secured Railcar Equipment Notes were primarily used by TRIP Master Funding to purchase all of the railcar equipment owned by TRIP Leasing. The TRIP Holdings Senior Secured Notes were repaid in full in May 2013. See Note 5 Partially-Owned Leasing Subsidiaries for further explanation.
	The TRIP Master Funding Secured Railcar Equipment Notes consist of three classes with the Class A-1a notes bearing interest at 4.37%, the Class A-1b notes bearing interest at Libor plus 2.50%, and the Class A-2 notes bearing interest at 6.02%, all payable monthly, with a final maturity date in July 2041. As of December 31, 2014, there were $130.8 million, $73.9 million, and $509.6 million of Class A-1a, Class A-1b, and of Class A-2 notes outstanding, respectively. In May 2014, TRIP Master Funding issued $335.7 million in aggregate principal amount of Series 2014-1 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes consisting of two classes with the Class A-1 notes bearing interest at 2.86% and the Class A-2 notes bearing interest at 4.09%, with a final maturity date of April 2044. As of December 31, 2014, there were $108.7 million and $220.7 million of Class A-1 and Class A-2 notes outstanding, respectively. The TRIP Master Funding Secured Railcar Equipment Notes and the TRIP Master Funding Series 2014-1 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes are issued pursuant to a Master Indenture dated July 6, 2011 between TRIP Master Funding and Wilmington Trust Company, as indenture trustee; are non-recourse to Trinity, TILC, TRIP Holdings, and the other equity investors in TRIP Holdings; and are secured by TRIP Master Funding's portfolio of railcars and operating leases thereon, its cash reserves, and all other assets owned by TRIP Master Funding.
	In December 2012, Trinity Rail Leasing 2012 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("TRL 2012") and a limited purpose, indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company owned through TILC, issued $145.4 million in aggregate principal amount of Series 2012-1 Class A-1 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes (the "2012 Class A-1 Notes") and $188.4 million in aggregate principal amount of Series 2012-1 Class A-2 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes (the "2012 Class A-2 Notes") and collectively with the 2012 Class A-1 Notes, the "2012 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes", of which $111.5 million and $188.4 million, respectively, were outstanding as of December 31, 2014. The 2012 Class A-1 Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.27%, are payable monthly, and have a stated final maturity date of January 15, 2043. The 2012 Class A-2 Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.53%, are payable monthly, and have a stated final maturity date of January 15, 2043. In May 2013, TRL 2012 became a subsidiary of one of the Company's partially-owned subsidiaries, RIV 2013. See Note 5 Partially-Owned Leasing Subsidiaries for further explanation. In August 2013, TRL 2012 issued $183.4 million in aggregate principal amount of Series 2013-1 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes of which $172.3 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2014. The 2013-1 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.9%, are payable monthly, and have a stated final maturity date of July 15, 2043.
	The 2012 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes and the 2013-1 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes were issued pursuant to a Master Indenture dated December 19, 2012 between TRL 2012 and Wilmington Trust Company, as indenture trustee; are non-recourse to Trinity, TILC, RIV 2013, and the other equity investors in RIV 2013; and are secured by TRL 2012's portfolio of railcars and operating leases thereon, its cash reserves, and all other assets owned by TRL 2012.
	TRIP Master Funding and TRL 2012 are wholly-owned subsidiaries of TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013, respectively, which, in turn, are partially-owned subsidiaries of the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TILC. The Company's combined weighted average ownership interest in TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013 is 39%. See Note 5 Partially-Owned Leasing Subsidiaries for further explanation.
	The remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter
		(in millions)
	Recourse:
	Corporate	$	0.2	$	0.2	$	0.3	$	—	$	—	$	849.5
	Leasing – capital lease obligations (Note 6)	3.2		3.5		3.7		28.7		—		—
	Non-recourse – leasing (Note 6):
	2006 secured railcar equipment notes	18.5		21.8		24		25.3		28		105.4
	Promissory notes	25.5		338.4		—		—		—		—
	2009 secured railcar equipment notes	9.6		6.5		6.3		6.5		11.2		148.7
	2010 secured railcar equipment notes	15.3		14.9		13.7		10		7.6		250
TILC warehouse facility	4		3.6		—		—		—		—
TRL 2012 secured railcar equipment notes (RIV 2013)	23.2		22.3		22.9		23.1		22.2		358.5
TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes	45.9		39.8		29.2		41.8		50.1		836.9
Facility termination payments - TILC warehouse facility	37.7		75.3		—		—		—		—
Total principal payments	$	183.1	$	526.3	$	100.1	$	135.4	$	119.1	$	2,549.00

Other_Net

Other, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other, Net	Other, Net
	Other, net (income) expense consists of the following items:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Foreign currency exchange transactions	$	(1.2	)	$	0.3		$	(2.3	)
	Gain on equity investments	(0.8		)	(0.3		)	(0.4		)
	Other	(2.6		)	(2.8		)	(1.6		)
	Other, net	$	(4.6	)	$	(2.8	)	$	(4.3	)
	Other for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 includes $1.7 million and $0.3 million in income, respectively, related to the change in fair value of certain equity repurchase agreements with an investor in TRIP Holdings. These agreements were terminated in March 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The components of the provision for income taxes from continuing operations are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Current:
	Federal	$	322.7			$	141.8			$	(5.7	)
	State	19.4				13.7				7
	Foreign	18.5				3.1				6.4
	Total current	360.6				158.6				7.7
	Deferred:
	Federal	(4.0		)		44.3				126.6
	State	1.2				2.3				3.2
	Foreign	(3.0		)		(0.8		)		(3.5		)
	Total deferred	(5.8		)		45.8				126.3
	Provision	$	354.8			$	204.4			$	134
	The provision for income taxes results in effective tax rates that differ from the statutory rates. The following is a reconciliation between the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate and the Company’s effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State taxes	1.4			2.1			2
	Domestic production activities deduction	(2.0	)		(1.4	)		—
	Noncontrolling interest in partially-owned subsidiaries	(1.1	)		(0.9	)		—
	Tax assessments and settlements	—			—			(0.6	)
	Changes in valuation allowances and reserves	0.1			(0.8	)		(1.4	)
	Other, net	(0.1	)		0.6			(0.3	)
	Effective rate	33.3	%		34.6	%		34.7	%
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $1,051.4 million, $571.2 million, and $376.3 million, respectively, for U.S. operations, and $12.6 million, $19.3 million, and $9.6 million, respectively, for foreign operations, principally Mexico. The Company provides deferred income taxes on the un-repatriated earnings of its foreign operations where it results in a deferred tax liability. Our effective tax rate reflects the current tax benefit available for U.S. manufacturing activity.
	In May 2013, TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013 elected to be treated as partnerships for income tax purposes and consequently no income tax expense has been provided with respect to income earned after this election attributable to the noncontrolling interests. See Note 5 Partially-Owned Leasing Subsidiaries for a further explanation of activities with respect to TRIP Holdings and RIV 2013.
	During 2013, and after the filing of its 2012 Federal income tax return, the Company determined that it would utilize previously reserved foreign tax credits on its 2013 Federal income tax return which were due to expire in 2014-2016. Accordingly, the related $6.4 million valuation allowance was reversed and recorded as an income tax benefit during 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company completed a review of its state tax filing positions based upon the current operational footprint. As a result of this review, we recorded a charge of $5.1 million in order to adjust our overall net deferred tax liability based upon our current state tax filing responsibilities.
	Deferred income taxes represent the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The components of deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in millions)
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	$	627.1			$	668.9
	Accrued liabilities and other	97.6				48.3
	Convertible debt	114.8				105.4
	Total deferred tax liabilities	839.5				822.6
	Deferred tax assets:
	Workers compensation, pensions, and other benefits	68.6				61.3
	Warranties and reserves	12.3				13.8
	Equity items	53.3				33.4
	Tax loss carryforwards and credits	25.1				27.5
	Inventory	29.2				18.8
	Total deferred tax assets	188.5				154.8
	Net deferred tax liabilities before valuation allowances	651				667.8
	Valuation allowances	9.6				10.2
	Net deferred tax liabilities before reserve for uncertain tax positions	660.6				678
	Deferred tax assets included in reserve for uncertain tax positions	(45.6		)		(38.6		)
	Adjusted net deferred tax liabilities	$	615			$	639.4
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had $33.5 million of Federal consolidated net operating loss carryforwards and $3.6 million of tax-effected state loss carryforwards remaining. The Federal net operating loss carryforwards were acquired as part of an acquisition of a company in 2010 and are subject to limitations on the amount that can be utilized in any one tax year. The Federal net operating loss carryforwards are due to expire in 2028 and 2029. We have established a valuation allowance for Federal, state, and foreign tax operating losses and credits which we have estimated may not be realizable.
	Taxing authority examinations
	The IRS field work for our 2006-2008 audit cycle has concluded and all issues, except for transfer pricing, have been agreed upon and tentatively settled. The transfer pricing issue has been appealed and we are working with both the U.S. and Mexican taxing authorities to coordinate taxation in a formal mutual agreement process (“MAP”). During 2013, we received the revenue agent report for the 2009-2011 audit cycle. All issues have been concluded and agreed to except for transfer pricing issues. The transfer pricing issues have been appealed and we have requested they be addressed in the same MAP as the 2006-2008 cycle. At this time, we cannot determine when the 2006-2008 or the 2009-2011 cycle will close and all issues formally settled.
	We have various subsidiaries in Mexico that file separate tax returns and are subject to examination by taxing authorities at different times. The 2007 tax year of one of our Mexican subsidiaries is still under review for transfer pricing purposes only, and its statute of limitations remains open through the later of the resolution of the MAP or August 2017. During the third of quarter of 2014, we received notification that one of our Mexican entities is now under audit for its 2011 tax year. The remaining entities are generally open for their 2009 tax years and forward.
	Our two Swiss subsidiaries, one of which is a holding company and the other of which is dormant, have been audited by the taxing authorities through 2008 and 2009, respectively. The statute of limitations in Switzerland is generally five years from the end of the tax year, but can be extended up to 15 years in certain cases if the audit has commenced during the original five year period. We also currently have sales offices in Europe, Canada, and South America that are subject to various statutes of limitations with regard to their tax status. Generally, states’ statutes of limitations in the U.S. are open from 2003 forward due to the use of tax loss carryforwards in certain jurisdictions.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, we settled our audit with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for the 2004-2005 tax years. As a result of closing this audit, we recognized a $3.5 million tax benefit, primarily related to favorable claims filed and approved by the IRS in the final audit settlement. Additionally, we recognized a tax benefit of $4.4 million due to the release of net tax reserves primarily as a result of certain state tax issues where the statute of limitations had lapsed.
	Unrecognized tax benefits
	The change in unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Beginning balance	$	55			$	48.7			$	52.5
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year	5				4.8				4.1
Additions for tax positions of prior years	2.5				2.8				—
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(0.1		)		—				(1.1		)
Settlements	—				(0.3		)		(3.4		)
Expiration of statute of limitations	(0.1		)		(1.0		)		(3.4		)
Ending balance	$	62.3			$	55			$	48.7
Additions for tax positions related to the current year for 2014 were amounts provided for tax positions that will be taken for Federal and state income tax purposes when we file the tax return. Additions for tax positions related to the current year for 2013 and 2012 were amounts provided for tax positions taken for Federal, state, and Mexican income tax purposes.
Additions for tax positions of prior years in the amount of $2.5 million and recorded in the current year related to federal, state, and foreign tax positions. Additions for tax positions of prior years in the amount of $2.8 million and recorded in 2013 were for Federal, state, and Mexican tax positions taken on the prior year tax returns which the taxing authorities have previously identified.
The reduction in tax positions of prior years of $1.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, was primarily related to new guidance issued in March 2012 by the IRS regarding the capitalization of fixed assets as well as state taxes. Settlements during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 relate to settled positions with the IRS for one of our subsidiaries as well as settled positions with Mexican taxing authorities in the settlement of the 2003 exam. Settlements during 2012 primarily related to the settlement of our 2004-2005 IRS audit as well as the related impact on state tax returns.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties at December 31, 2014 and 2013, that would affect the Company’s overall effective tax rate if recognized was $15.0 million and $13.8 million, respectively. There is a reasonable possibility that unrecognized Federal and state tax benefits will decrease by $0.1 million by December 31, 2015 due to settlements and lapses in statutes of limitations for assessing tax. During 2013, we entered into an agreement with the IRS to extend the statute of limitations to assess tax on our 2006-2011 tax years. At this time, we are unable to determine when those years will be effectively settled.
Trinity accounts for interest expense and penalties related to income tax issues as income tax expense. Accordingly, interest expense and penalties associated with an uncertain tax position are included in the income tax provision. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $11.6 million and $10.8 million, respectively. Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 included an increase of $0.8 million, an increase of $0.5 million, and a decrease of $3.0 million, respectively, with regard to interest expense and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

Employee_Retirement_Plans

Employee Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Retirement Plans	Employee Retirement Plans
	The Company sponsors defined benefit plans and defined contribution profit sharing plans that provide retirement income and death benefits for eligible employees. The annual measurement date of the benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets, and funded status is December 31.
	Actuarial assumptions
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the annual measurement date were:
	Obligation discount rate	4.33%		5.22%		4.25%
	Compensation increase rate	4.00%		4.00%		4.00%
	Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs were:
	Obligation discount rate	5.22%		4.25%		5.40%
	Long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.75%		7.75%		7.75%
	Compensation increase rate	4.00%		4.00%		3.00%
	The obligation discount rate assumption is determined by deriving a single discount rate from a theoretical settlement portfolio of high quality corporate bonds sufficient to provide for the plans' projected benefit payments. The expected long-term rate of return on the plans' assets is an assumption reflecting the anticipated weighted average rate of earnings on the portfolio over the long-term. To arrive at this rate, estimates were developed based upon the anticipated performance of the plans' assets. The compensation increase rate pertains solely to the pension plan of the Company's Inland Barge segment, which was closed to new participants in 2014. The accrued benefits of the Company's remaining pension plans were frozen in 2009.
	Components of net retirement cost
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Expense Components
	Service cost	$	0.5			$	1.1			$	0.9
	Interest	20.2				18.5				19.4
	Expected return on plan assets	(31.0		)		(26.6		)		(22.9		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	2.1				4.9				3.2
	Prior service cost	—				0.1				0.1
	Defined benefit expense	(8.2		)		(2.0		)		0.7
	Profit sharing	17.4				12.3				11.9
	Multiemployer plan	0.8				—				—
	Net expense	$	10			$	10.3			$	12.6
	The expected return on plan assets is based on the plan assets' fair value. Amortization of actuarial loss is determined using the corridor method. Under the corridor method, unamortized actuarial gains or losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets as of the beginning of the plan year, are amortized, for frozen plans, over the average expected remaining lifetime of frozen and inactive participants. Substantially all of the Company's defined benefit plans were frozen as of December 31, 2014.
	Obligations and funded status
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in millions)
	Accumulated Benefit Obligations	$	473.8			$	392.1
	Projected Benefit Obligations:
	Beginning of year	$	392.1			$	442.5
	Service cost	0.5				1.1
	Interest	20.2				18.5
	Benefits paid	(16.4		)		(15.8		)
	Actuarial (gain)/loss	77.6				(54.2		)
	Curtailment	(0.1		)		—
	End of year	$	473.9			$	392.1
	Plans' Assets:
	Beginning of year	$	399.2			$	340.1
	Actual return on assets	36.7				56
	Employer contributions	15				18.9
	Benefits paid	(16.4		)		(15.8		)
	End of year	$	434.5			$	399.2
	Consolidated Balance Sheet Components:
	Other assets	$	1.2			$	17.8
	Accrued liabilities	(40.4		)		(10.7		)
	Net funded status	$	(39.4	)		$	7.1
	Percent of projected benefit obligations funded	91.7		%		101.8		%
	None of the plans' assets are expected to be returned to us during the year ending December 31, 2015.
	Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Actuarial gain (loss)	$	(71.9	)		$	83.7			$	(48.1	)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	2.1				4.9				3.2
	Amortization of prior service cost	—				0.1				0.1
	Curtailment	0.1				—				—
	Total before income taxes	(69.7		)		88.7				(44.8		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(25.9		)		32.9				(16.7		)
	Net amount recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(43.8	)		$	55.8			$	(28.1	)
Included in AOCL at December 31, 2014 were the following amounts that have not been recognized in net periodic pension cost: prior service cost of $0.1 million ($0.1 million net of related income taxes) and unrecognized actuarial losses of $138.1 million ($86.9 million net of related income taxes).
Actuarial loss included in AOCL and expected to be recognized in net periodic pension cost for the year ended December 31, 2015 is $5.2 million ($3.3 million net of related income taxes).
Plan assets
The Company's pension plan investment strategies have been developed as part of a comprehensive asset/liability management process that considers the relationship between both the assets and liabilities of the plans for the purpose of providing the capital assets necessary to meet the financial obligations made to participants of the Company's pension plans. These strategies consider not only the expected risk and returns on the plans' assets, but also the actuarial projections of liabilities, projected contributions, and funded status. During 2014, the Company revised its investment policy statement allocating its pension plan assets into two portfolios as follows:
•Liability hedging portfolio - The objective of the liability hedging portfolio is to match the characteristics of the pension plans' liabilities. This portfolio consists primarily of investment grade long duration bonds.
•Growth portfolio - The objective of the growth portfolio is to focus upon total return with an acceptable level of risk. This portfolio is heavily weighted toward U.S. equities with a lesser exposure to international equities, domestic real estate investment trusts, U.S. high yield and emerging market sovereign debt.
The target allocation between these two portfolios varies on a sliding scale based on the pension plans' percentage of projected benefit obligations funded ("Funding Percentage"), beginning with a 50%/50% target allocation at a Funding Percentage of less than 100% and increasing to a 100% liability hedging portfolio target allocation at a Funding Percentage exceeding 110%. The range of target asset allocations has been determined after giving consideration to the expected returns of each asset category within the two portfolios, the expected performance of each asset category, the volatility of asset returns over time, and the complementary nature of the asset mix within the portfolio. The principal pension investment strategies include asset allocation and active asset management within approved guidelines. These assets are managed by an investment advisor.
The target and actual allocations of the plans' assets at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	Target		December 31,
	Allocation		2014
Cash and cash equivalents			1	%
Liability hedging portfolio	50%		47	%
Growth portfolio	50%		52	%
Total			100	%
The estimated fair value of the plans' assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, indicating input levels used to determine fair value are as follows:
	Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2014
	(in millions)
	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
Temporary cash investments	$	4.8			$	—			$	—		$	4.8
Debt common trust funds	—				275				—			275
Equity common trust funds	—				154.7				—			154.7
	$	4.8			$	429.7			$	—		$	434.5
	Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2013
	(in millions)
	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
Temporary cash investments	$	7			$	—			$	—		$	7
Debt common trust funds	—				101.3				—			101.3
Equity common trust funds	—				290.9				—			290.9
	$	7			$	392.2			$	—		$	399.2
The pension plans' assets are valued at fair value. The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used in determining fair value, including the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy as described further in Note 3 Fair Value Accounting:
Temporary cash investments - These investments consist of U.S. dollars held in master trust accounts with the trustee. These temporary cash investments are classified as Level 1 instruments.
Common trust funds - Common trust funds are comprised of shares or units in commingled funds that are not publicly traded. The underlying assets in these funds are publicly traded on exchanges and price quotes for the assets held by these funds are readily available. Holdings of common trust funds are classified as Level 2 investments.
Multiemployer plan
As a result of the acquisition of Meyer, the Company contributes to a multiemployer defined benefit pension plan under the terms of a collective-bargaining agreement that covers certain union-represented employees at one of Meyer's facilities. The risks of participating in a multiemployer plan are different from a single-employer plan in the following aspects:
•Assets contributed to a multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.
•If a participating employer stops contributing to a multiemployer plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.
•If the Company chooses to stop participating in the multiemployer plan, the Company may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.
Our participation in the multiemployer plan for the year ended December 31, 2014 is outlined in the table below. The Pension Protection Act ("PPA") zone status at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as of the plan years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is obtained from the multiemployer plan's regulatory filings available in the public domain and certified by the plan's actuary. Among other factors, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80% funded while plans in the red zone are less than 65% funded. Federal law requires that plans classified in the yellow or red zones adopt a funding improvement plan in order to improve the financial health of the plan. The plan utilized an amortization extension and the funding relief provided under the Internal Revenue Code and under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act in determining the zone status. The Company's contributions to the multiemployer plan were less than 5% of total contributions to the plan. The last column in the table lists the expiration date of the collective bargaining agreement to which the plan is subject.
				PPA Zone Status						Contributions for Year Ended December 31,
Pension Fund		Employer Identification Number		2014		2013		Financial improvement plan status		2014			2013		2012		Surcharge imposed	Expiration date of collective bargaining agreement
										(in millions)
Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust		48-6168020		Yellow		Yellow		Implemented		$	0.6		$	—	$	—	No	July 3, 2016
Cash flows
Employer contributions for the year ending December 31, 2015 are expected to be $19.7 million for the defined benefit plans compared to $15.0 million contributed during 2014. Employer contributions to the 401(k) plans and the Supplemental Profit Sharing Plan for the year ending December 31, 2015 are expected to be $16.1 million compared to $14.0 million contributed during 2014. Employer contributions for the year ending December 31, 2015 are expected to be $2.7 million for the multiemployer plan compared to $0.6 million contributed during 2014.
Benefit payments for the Company's defined benefit plans expected to be paid during the next ten years are as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,
	(in millions)
2015	$	18.5
2016	19.8
2017	20.9
2018	22
2019	24
2020-2024	133.7
Participants in the pension plans are eligible to receive future retirement benefits through a company-funded annual retirement contribution provided through the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of Trinity Industries, Inc. and Certain Affiliates. The contribution ranges from one to three percent of eligible compensation based on service. Both the annual retirement contribution and the company matching contribution are discretionary, requiring board approval, and are made annually with the investment of the funds directed by the participants.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
		Currency translation adjustments			Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments			Net actuarial gains/(losses) of defined benefit plans			Accumulated
											Other
											Comprehensive
											Loss
		(in millions)
	Balances at December 31, 2011	$	(17.1	)	$	(46.2	)	$	(70.7	)	$	(134.0	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, before reclassifications	—			7.2			(30.3		)	(23.1		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit of $0.4, $3.2, $1.1, and $4.7	0.6			5.8			2.2			8.6
	Less: noncontrolling interest	—			(1.6		)	—			(1.6		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	0.6			11.4			(28.1		)	(16.1		)
	Balances at December 31, 2012	(16.5		)	(34.8		)	(98.8		)	(150.1		)
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax, before reclassifications	—			0.8			52.7			53.5
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit of $-, $8.7, $1.9, and $10.6	—			18.1			3.1			21.2
	Less: noncontrolling interest	—			(4.2		)	—			(4.2		)
	Other comprehensive income	—			14.7			55.8			70.5
	Sale of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiaries	—			13.2			—			13.2
	Repurchase of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiary	—			(11.8		)	—			(11.8		)
	Balances at December 31, 2013	(16.5		)	(18.7		)	(43.0		)	(78.2		)
	Other comprehensive loss, net of tax, before reclassifications	(2.0		)	(1.2		)	(45.1		)	(48.3		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit of $-, $8.4, $0.8, and $9.2	—			16			1.3			17.3
	Less: noncontrolling interest	—			(3.0		)	—			(3.0		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2.0		)	11.8			(43.8		)	(34.0		)
	Transfer of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiaries	—			0.3			—			0.3
	Balances at December 31, 2014	$	(18.5	)	$	(6.6	)	$	(86.8	)	$	(111.9	)
	See Note 7 Derivative Instruments for information on the reclassification of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings. Reclassifications of unrealized before-tax losses on derivative financial instruments are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Approximately $1.7 million, $4.0 million, and $2.7 million of the before-tax reclassification of net actuarial gains/(losses) of defined benefit plans are included in cost of revenues with the remainder included in selling, engineering, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company's 2004 Second Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the "Plan”) provides for awarding 15,200,000 (adjusted for stock splits) shares of common stock plus (i) shares covered by forfeited, expired, and canceled options granted under prior plans; and (ii) shares tendered as full or partial payment for the purchase price of an award or to satisfy tax withholding obligations. At December 31, 2014, a total of 2,607,425 shares were available for issuance. The Plan provides for the granting of nonqualified and incentive stock options having maximum ten-year terms to purchase common stock at its market value on the award date; stock appreciation rights based on common stock fair market values with settlement in common stock or cash; restricted stock awards; restricted stock units; and performance awards with settlement in common stock or cash on achievement of specific business objectives. Options become exercisable in various percentages over periods ranging up to five years.
	The cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments are referred to as share-based payments and are based on the grant date fair-value of those awards. Stock-based compensation includes compensation expense, recognized over the applicable vesting periods, for both new share-based awards and share-based awards granted prior to, but not yet vested, as of January 1, 2006. The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted to employees. Stock-based compensation totaled $53.3 million, $44.5 million, and $28.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense was $40.1 million, $15.6 million, and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company has presented excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation awards as a financing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Stock options
	Expense related to stock options issued to eligible employees under the Plan is recognized over their vesting period on a straight- line basis. Stock options generally vest over five years and have contractual terms of ten years. All options outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were exercisable.
		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
							(in millions)
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	162,404		$	8.9	3.3	$3.00
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(67,111	)	$	8.95
	Cancelled	—		—
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	95,293		$	8.86	3.1	$1.80
	At December 31, 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options. The intrinsic value of options exercised totaled $1.8 million, $4.4 million, and $6.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Restricted stock
	Restricted share awards consist of restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance units. Restricted stock and restricted stock units generally vest for periods ranging from one to fifteen years from the date of grant. Certain restricted stock and restricted stock units vest in their entirety upon the employee's retirement from the Company, the employee's reaching the age of 65, or when the employee's age plus years of vested service equal 80. Restricted stock units issued to non-employee directors under the Plan vest on the grant date or on the first business day immediately preceding the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and are released upon completion of the directors' service to the Company. Expense related to restricted stock and restricted stock units issued to eligible employees under the Plan is recognized ratably over the vesting period or to the date on which retirement eligibility is achieved, if shorter. Performance units are granted to employees based upon a target level, however, depending upon the achievement of certain specified goals during the performance period, performance units may be adjusted to a level ranging between 0% and 200% of the target level. The performance units vest upon certification by the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of the achievement of the specified performance goals. Expense related to performance units is recognized ratably from their award date to the end of the performance period, generally three years.
		Number of Restricted Share Awards		Weighted Average Grant-Date
				Fair Value per Award
	Restricted share awards outstanding at December 31, 2013	7,810,104		$	16.5
	Granted	2,364,839		32.35
	Vested	(2,625,396	)	16.09
	Forfeited	(136,578	)	22.05
	Restricted share awards outstanding at December 31, 2014	7,412,969		$	21.6
	At December 31, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted share awards totaled $104.8 million which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.0 years. The total vesting-date fair value of shares vested and released during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $105.2 million, $29.9 million, and $16.9 million, respectively. The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted share awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $32.35, $20.76, and $14.72 per share, respectively.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Trinity remaining after allocation to unvested restricted shares by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding for the period. Except when the effect would be antidilutive, the calculation of diluted net income attributable to Trinity per common share includes 1) the net impact of unvested restricted shares and shares that could be issued under outstanding stock options and 2) the incremental shares calculated by dividing the value of the conversion obligation in excess of the Convertible Subordinated Notes' aggregate principal amount by the average price of the Company's common stock during the period. The effect of the Convertible Subordinated Notes was antidilutive for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. See Note 11 Debt for further explanation of the Company's Convertible Subordinated Notes. Total weighted average restricted shares and antidilutive stock options were 7.4 million shares, 7.0 million shares, and 6.1 million shares, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The computation of basic and diluted net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. follows.
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-14
		(in millions, except per share amounts)
		Income			Average	EPS
		(Loss)			Shares
	Net income from continuing operations	$	709.3
	Less: net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	31.1
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	678.2
	Unvested restricted share participation	(22.1		)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. – basic	656.1			151	$	4.35
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—			0.1
	Convertible subordinated notes	0.7			5.6
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. – diluted	$	656.8		156.7	$	4.19
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	—
	Unvested restricted share participation	—
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes – basic	—			151	$	—
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—			0.1
	Convertible subordinated notes	—			5.6
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes – diluted	$	—		156.7	$	—
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-13
		(in millions, except per share amounts)
		Income			Average	EPS
		(Loss)			Shares
	Net income from continuing operations	$	386.1
	Less: net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	16.9
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	369.2
	Unvested restricted share participation	(12.0		)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. – basic	357.2			152.8	$	2.34
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—			0.1
	Convertible subordinated notes	—			—
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. – diluted	$	357.2		152.9	$	2.34
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	6.3
	Unvested restricted share participation	(0.2		)
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes – basic	6.1			152.8	$	0.04
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—			0.1
	Convertible subordinated notes	—			—
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes – diluted	$	6.1		152.9	$	0.04
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-12
		(in millions, except per share amounts)
		Income			Average	EPS
		(Loss)			Shares
	Net income from continuing operations	$	251.9
	Less: net loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1.5		)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	253.4
	Unvested restricted share participation	(7.7		)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. – basic	245.7			154.7	$	1.59
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—			0.4
	Convertible subordinated notes	—			—
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. – diluted	$	245.7		155.1	$	1.58
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	1.8
	Unvested restricted share participation	(0.1		)
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes – basic	1.7			154.7	$	0.01
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—			0.4
Convertible subordinated notes	—			—
Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes – diluted	$	1.7		155.1	$	0.01

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Highway products litigation
	We previously reported that on January 28, 2013, the United States filed a “Notice of Election to Decline Intervention” in a False Claims Act (“Act”) complaint filed under seal on March 6, 2012 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division (“District Court”) styled Joshua Harman, on behalf of the United States of America, Plaintiff/Relator v. Trinity Industries, Inc., Defendant, Case 2:12-cv-00089-JRG. Mr. Harman alleged the Company knowingly presented or caused to be presented a false or fraudulent claim, record or statement to purchasers of the Company's ET-Plus® System, a highway guardrail end-terminal (“ET Plus”), in order for such purchasers to obtain Federal-aid reimbursement for payments made on such purchases. On October 20, 2014 a trial of this case concluded with a jury verdict stating that the Company and its subsidiary, Trinity Highway Products, LLC, “knowingly made, used or caused to be made or used, a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim," awarding $175 million in damages based on such finding. The jury's damages award, to the extent it survives the Company's challenge in post-trial motions or on appeal, is automatically trebled under the Act to $525 million. Additionally, the District Court is required to impose civil penalties for each violation of the Act (which penalties are not automatically trebled). The District Court has the discretion to establish the civil penalty amount between $5,500 and $11,000 per violation. In this regard, the Relator contended during trial that certain invoices submitted to purchasers of the ET Plus certified that the product was accepted by the Federal Highway Administration ("FHWA") and was therefore eligible for Federal-aid reimbursement. Based on Relator’s damages model in this respect, the range of possible civil penalties is $5,500 (if the District Court determines there has been a single violation) to $184 million (if the District Court determines that each invoice for the product was a violation).
	The District Court has not yet entered a final judgment or determined a civil penalty amount. While the Company believes the District Court does not have the evidence required under the law to quantify civil penalties, the total range of loss in this case, based on the jury’s verdict and Mr. Harman's damage model for civil penalties, is $525 million to $709 million, exclusive of attorney's fees, costs, and interest.
	The Company maintains that Mr. Harman’s allegations are without merit. Accordingly, the Company intends to challenge the damages award on the ground of insufficient evidence and to vigorously defend its positions in post-trial motions and on appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (“Fifth Circuit”). Such post-trial motions and appellate review will result in certain legal expenses, including potential costs associated with posting a supersedeas bond upon the District Court’s entry of a final judgment. The face amount of such bond could equal the amount of the final judgment entered plus twenty (20) percent. The Company has confidence that such bond will be issued if, when, and to the extent required.
	Texas A&M Transportation Institute (“TTI”), a member of The Texas A&M University System, designed the technology employed in the ET Plus. The Texas A&M University System is the owner of patents issued by the U.S. Patent Office that cover the ET Plus. Trinity Highway Products manufactures and markets the ET Plus pursuant to an exclusive license granted by The Texas A&M University System of their intellectual property. Trinity Highway Products contracted with TTI to conduct crash testing of the ET Plus to demonstrate compliance with the required standards set out in National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 350 (“Report 350”). In addition, TTI prepared and provided to Trinity Highway Products the test reports on the performance of the ET Plus for review by the FHWA in their consideration for accepting the product for use on the national highway system and determining the product’s eligibility for Federal-aid reimbursement. It is our belief that since its introduction in 2000, including all subsequent improvement modifications recommended by TTI, the ET Plus has been in compliance with Report 350 and has been, and is currently, accepted by the FHWA for Federal-aid reimbursement eligibility. In a Memorandum dated June 17, 2014, the FHWA confirmed to its Division Administrators, Directors of Field Services, Federal Lands Division Engineers, that "The Trinity ET Plus with 4-inch guide channels became eligible for Federal-aid reimbursement under FHWA letter CC-94 on September 2, 2005. In addition, the device is eligible for reimbursement under FHWA letters CC-94A and CC-120.” In its memorandum, the FHWA further confirmed the reimbursement eligibility of the device at guardrail heights from 27 3/4 inches to 31 inches, stating that an “unbroken chain of eligibility for Federal-aid reimbursement has existed since September 2, 2005 and the ET Plus continues to be eligible today."
	A trial in this matter commenced in July 2014, but ended in a mistrial declared by the District Court on its own volition. Preceding the second trial in this matter, the Company filed a Petition for Writ of Mandamus with the Fifth Circuit based, in part, on the District Court’s failure to apply Fifth Circuit case law precedent as well as other precedential case law. In its per curiam order denying the Company’s Petition for Writ of Mandamus, the Fifth Circuit expressed concern regarding the District Court’s failure to issue a reasoned ruling rejecting the Company’s prior motions for judgment as a matter of law. The Fifth Circuit also stated that the FHWA authoritative memorandum dated June 17, 2014, on its face, appears to compel the conclusion that the FHWA, after due consideration of all the facts, found the ET Plus sufficiently compliant with federal safety standards and therefore fully eligible, in the past, present and future, for Federal-aid reimbursement claims. Additionally, the Fifth Circuit noted that a strong argument could be made that the Company’s actions were neither material nor were any false claims based on false certifications presented to the government. Based on the Fifth Circuit’s remarks, the Company re-urged its motions with the District Court for judgment as a matter of law, which the District Court denied during trial. We believe this reinforces our prospects for a successful outcome.
	Revenues from sales of the ET Plus in the United States, included in the Construction Products Group, totaled approximately $35.1 million and $46.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Pending entry of a final judgment and completion of the Company’s post-trial and appellate activities in this matter, we currently do not believe that a loss is probable, therefore no accrual has been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities of $962.9 million. When combined with capacity under committed credit facilities, the Company had approximately $1.6 billion of available liquidity at the end of the fourth quarter.
	On October 21, 2014, in light of the jury’s finding, the FHWA requested that the Company perform eight (8) additional crash tests of the ET Plus to support the FHWA’s ongoing evaluation of ET Plus performance. The eight tests were comprised of four tests at a guardrail height of 27 3/4" and four tests at a guardrail height of 31". On October 24, 2014, the Company issued a press release stating that it will stop shipments of the ET Plus until additional crash testing of the ET Plus was completed. The requested tests were conducted in December 2014 and January 2015, in accordance with Report 350 at Southwest Research Institute, an FHWA-approved and independent research facility. Report 350 sets forth the performance evaluation criteria applicable to the ET Plus and many other roadside safety features used on U.S. highways. The ET Plus extruder heads tested in all eight tests were randomly selected by the FHWA from inventory at the California Department of Transportation. These extruder heads were representative of what is in use on U.S. and Canadian highways.
	On January 27, 2015, Trinity Highway Products completed the eighth, and final, test. On February 6, 2015, the FHWA released the crash test results of the first four tests conducted at the 27 3/4" installation height of the ET Plus. This release reports that the ET Plus passed Report 350 crash test criteria at the 27 3/4" guardrail height. The vast majority of guardrails installed on the roadways in the U.S. and Canada are at the 27 3/4" height. These test results validate Trinity Highway Products' long standing position that when installed, maintained and impacted within the Report 350 standards, the 27 3/4" height ET Plus performs to Report 350 criteria. When all eight test results are reviewed and released by the FHWA, the Company will perform a thorough analysis before resuming any shipments of the ET Plus to its customers.
	As of the date on which the eighth test was concluded, Trinity is aware of 42 states that had removed the ET Plus from their respective qualified products list. The state of Virginia, in addition to evaluating a potential recall of all ET Plus products installed on Virginia roadways, has joined Mr. Harman's Virginia state action alleging the same false claims as were alleged in the false claims act case pending in the Eastern District of Texas. Other states could take similar or different actions regarding recall, and could be considering similar state false claims litigation against the Company. While the financial impacts of such actions are currently unknown, they could be material.
	The Company is aware of two class action lawsuits involving claims pertaining to the ET Plus. The Company has received service of process in a lawsuit filed November 6, 2014, titled Hamilton County, Illinois and Macon County, Illinois, Individually and on behalf of all Other Counties in the State of Illinois vs. Trinity Industries, Inc. and Trinity Highway Products, LLC. In this case it is alleged that the Company and Trinity Highway Products made a series of un-tested modifications to the ET Plus and falsely certified that the modified ET Plus was acceptable for use on the nation’s highways based on federal testing standards and approval for Federal-aid reimbursement. The Plaintiffs further allege breach of express and implied warranties, violation of the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act and unjust enrichment, for which Plaintiffs seek actual damages related to purchases of the ET Plus, compensatory damages for establishing a common fund for class members, punitive damages, and injunctive relief. The case is filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois and is being brought by Plaintiffs for and on behalf of themselves and the other 101 counties of the State of Illinois. The Company is also aware of, but has not received service of process in a lawsuit filed February 11, 2015 titled The Corporation of the City of Stratford and Trinity Industries, Inc., Trinity Highway Products, LLC, and Trinity Industries Canada, Inc. pending in Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The class in this matter has been identified as persons in Canada who purchased and/or used an ET Plus guardrail end terminal. The Statement of Claim in this litigation generally alleges that Trinity Industries, Inc., Trinity Highway Products, and Trinity Industries Canada, failed to warn of dangers associated with undisclosed modifications to the ET Plus guardrail end terminals, breached its implied warranty, breached its duty of care, and was negligent. Plaintiff is seeking $400 million in compensatory damages and $100 million in punitive damages. In the alternative to damages, Plaintiff further pleads an entitlement to "waive the tort" and claim an accounting or other such restitution remedy for disgorgement of the revenues generated by Trinity Industries, Inc., Trinity Highway Products, and Trinity Industries Canada as a result of the sale of the modified ET Plus guardrail end terminals in Canada, due to the product not being fit for its intended purpose and/or the failure to disclose the modifications and/or risks associated with the modifications to the ET Plus guardrail end terminals. The Company believes each of these lawsuits are without merit and intends to vigorously defend these allegations. While the financial impacts of these two actions are currently unknown, they could be material.
	The Company is currently defending a number of product liability lawsuits in several different states that are alleged to involve the ET Plus. These cases are diverse in light of the randomness of collisions in general and the fact that each accident involving roadside devices such as an ET Plus, or any other fixed object along the highway has its own unique facts and circumstances. Report 350 recognizes that performance of even the most carefully researched roadside device is subject to physical laws and the crash worthiness of vehicles. The Company expects the jury verdict, coupled with the media attention the verdict has generated, will prompt the plaintiff’s bar to seek out vehicle accident victims involved in collisions with an ET Plus as potential clients, which may result in additional product liability lawsuits being filed against the Company. The Company carries general liability insurance to mitigate the impact of adverse verdict exposures in these product liability cases.
	The Company has received information that several law firms are investigating whether certain officers and directors of the Company breached their fiduciary duties relating to modifications made to the ET Plus and/or violated federal securities laws. We believe these investigations will be concluded without substantive results. However, the Company may incur legal expenses and related costs in responding to these investigations.
	Train derailment
	As previously reported, the Company was named as a respondent in litigation filed July 15, 2013 in Superior Court, Province of Quebec, District of Saint-Francois, styled Yannick Gagne and Guy Ouellet vs. Rail World, Inc., et al related to the July 2013 crude oil unit train derailment in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. A partially-owned subsidiary of the Company owned and leased to a third party 13 of the railcars involved in the incident, which lessee is also named as a defendant in the Province of Quebec litigation. As of June 18, 2014, the petitioners in the Quebec litigation have voluntarily desisted with their claims against the Company resulting in the dismissal of the Company without prejudice; however the partially-owned subsidiary remains as a respondent in the litigation. The litigation filed in Quebec is seeking “class” status which, if certified, could lead to multiple individuals and business entities becoming class members.
	The Company was also named as a defendant in multiple cases filed by the estates of decedents in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois seeking damages for alleged wrongful death and property damage arising from the July 2013 crude oil unit train derailment in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. The Company’s tank car manufacturing subsidiary manufactured 35 of the 72 tank railcars involved in the derailment. However the Illinois cases have since been ordered transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Maine. This transfer prompted plaintiffs to seek dismissal of these actions. Nonetheless, the Maine court has not indicated those dismissals were effectuated and the cases were transferred to federal court in Maine and have been assigned new case numbers. Certain of the plaintiffs in these transferred cases have appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit seeking to overturn the decision to transfer. This appeal has resulted in a stay of all proceedings in the transferred cases pending resolution of the appeal. The Company could be named in similar litigation involving other affected plaintiffs, but the ultimate number of claims and the jurisdiction in which such claims are filed, may vary. The Company has recorded an accrual of $11.4 million at December 31, 2014 related to this matter of which expected third-party recoveries of $10.2 million are recorded in other assets at December 31, 2014. We do not believe at this time that an additional loss is probable nor can a range of additional losses be determined.
	Other matters
	The Company is involved in claims and lawsuits incidental to our business arising from various matters including product warranty, personal injury, environmental issues, workplace laws, and various governmental regulations. The Company evaluates its exposure to such claims and suits periodically and establishes accruals for these contingencies when a range of loss can be reasonably estimated. The range of reasonably possible losses for such matters, taking into consideration our rights in indemnity and recourse to third parties is $3.9 million to $29.3 million. This range excludes any amount related to the highway products litigation matters described above. At December 31, 2014, total accruals of $27.5 million, including environmental and workplace matters described below, are included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company believes any additional liability would not be material to its financial position or results of operations.
	Trinity is subject to remedial orders and Federal, state, local, and foreign laws and regulations relating to the environment and the workplace. The Company has reserved $6.1 million to cover our probable and estimable liabilities with respect to the investigations, assessments, and remedial responses to such matters, taking into account currently available information and our contractual rights to indemnification and recourse to third parties. However, estimates of liability arising from future proceedings, assessments, or remediation are inherently imprecise. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will not become involved in future litigation or other proceedings involving the environment and the workplace or, if we are found to be responsible or liable in any such litigation or proceeding, that such costs would not be material to the Company. We believe that we are currently in substantial compliance with environmental and workplace laws and regulations.
	Other commitments
	Non-cancelable purchase obligations amounted to $1.4 billion as of December 31, 2014, of which $1.2 billion is for the purchase of raw materials and components, principally by the Rail, Inland Barge, and Energy Equipment Groups.

Financial_Statements_for_Guara

Financial Statements for Guarantors of the Senior Notes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Statements for Guarantors of the Senior Notes [Abstract]
Financial Statements for Guarantors of the Senior Notes	Financial Statements for Guarantors of the Senior Notes
	The Company’s Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by certain of Trinity’s 100%-owned subsidiaries: Trinity Construction Materials Inc., Trinity Highway Products, LLC, Trinity Industries Leasing Company, Trinity Marine Products, Inc., Trinity North American Freight Car, Inc., Trinity Parts & Components, LLC, Trinity Rail Group, LLC, Trinity Structural Towers, Inc., and Trinity Tank Car, Inc. (“Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries”). See Note 11 Debt. The Senior Notes indenture agreement includes customary provisions for the release of the guarantees by the Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries upon the occurrence of certain allowed events including the release of one or more of the Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries as guarantor under the Company's revolving credit facility. The Senior Notes are not guaranteed by any remaining 100%-owned subsidiaries of the Company or partially-owned subsidiaries (“Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”).
	As of December 31, 2014, assets held by the Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries included $194.4 million of restricted cash that was not available for distribution to Trinity Industries, Inc. (“Parent”), $3,936.8 million of equipment securing certain non-recourse debt, $87.5 million of equipment securing certain lease obligations held by the Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and $395.5 million of assets located in foreign locations. As of December 31, 2013, assets held by the Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries included $208.3 million of restricted cash that was not available for distribution to the Parent, $3,733.9 million of equipment securing certain non-recourse debt, $90.2 million of equipment securing certain lease obligations held by the Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and $306.9 million of assets located in foreign locations.
	Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in millions)
	Revenues	$	—		$	4,725.40		$	2,294.20		$	(849.6	)	$	6,170.00
	Cost of revenues	—			3,705.30			1,770.20			(855.7		)	4,619.80
	Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	115.6			151.5			136.5			—			403.6
	Gains/(losses) on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	(1.4		)	41.4			64.4			—			104.4
		117			3,815.40			1,842.30			(855.7		)	4,919.00
	Operating profit (loss)	(117.0		)	910			451.9			6.1			1,251.00
	Other (income) expense	(60.3		)	86.3			160.9			—			186.9
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	740.2			228.9			—			(969.1		)	—
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	683.5			1,052.60			291			(963.0		)	1,064.10
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	5.3			325.4			26.1			(2.0		)	354.8
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	678.2			727.2			264.9			(961.0		)	709.3
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			(0.1		)	0.1			—			—
	Net income (loss)	678.2			727.1			265			(961.0		)	709.3
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			31.1			31.1
	Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	678.2		$	727.1		$	265		$	(992.1	)	$	678.2
	Net income (loss)	$	678.2		$	727.1		$	265		$	(961.0	)	$	709.3
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	(32.2		)	(10.0		)	11.2			—			(31.0		)
	Comprehensive income	$	646		$	717.1		$	276.2		$	(961.0	)	$	678.3
	Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in millions)
	Revenues	$	—		$	3,257.80		$	1,758.20		$	(650.7	)	$	4,365.30
	Cost of revenues	—			2,636.30			1,341.90			(655.9		)	3,322.30
	Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	72.8			128.9			90.3			(0.7		)	291.3
	Gains on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	0.3			10.9			10			—			21.2
		72.5			2,754.30			1,422.20			(656.6		)	3,592.40
	Operating profit (loss)	(72.5		)	503.5			336			5.9			772.9
	Other (income) expense	(71.5		)	61.2			192.7			—			182.4
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	378.3			97.1			—			(475.4		)	—
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	377.3			539.4			143.3			(469.5		)	590.5
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	1.8			167			33.5			2.1			204.4
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	375.5			372.4			109.8			(471.6		)	386.1
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			6.3			—			—			6.3
	Net income (loss)	375.5			378.7			109.8			(471.6		)	392.4
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			16.9			16.9
	Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	375.5		$	378.7		$	109.8		$	(488.5	)	$	375.5
	Net income (loss)	$	375.5		$	378.7		$	109.8		$	(471.6	)	$	392.4
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	47.7			9.9			17.1			—			74.7
	Comprehensive income	$	423.2		$	388.6		$	126.9		$	(471.6	)	$	467.1
	Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in millions)
	Revenues	$	—		$	2,791.50		$	1,429.00		$	(408.6	)	$	3,811.90
	Cost of revenues	—			2,385.30			1,087.90			(421.7		)	3,051.50
	Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	50.4			111.4			62.3			—			224.1
	Gains on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	0.4			9.4			28.7			—			38.5
		50			2,487.30			1,121.50			(421.7		)	3,237.10
	Operating profit (loss)	(50.0		)	304.2			307.5			13.1			574.8
	Other (income) expense	(56.5		)	49			196.4			—			188.9
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	246.6			88.2			—			(334.8		)	—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	253.1			343.4			111.1			(321.7		)	385.9
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(2.1		)	117.1			14.3			4.7			134
Income (loss) from continuing operations	255.2			226.3			96.8			(326.4		)	251.9
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			1.4			0.4			—			1.8
Net income (loss)	255.2			227.7			97.2			(326.4		)	253.7
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(1.5		)	(1.5		)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	255.2		$	227.7		$	97.2		$	(324.9	)	$	255.2
Net income (loss)	$	255.2		$	227.7		$	97.2		$	(326.4	)	$	253.7
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(20.1		)	(6.1		)	11.7			—			(14.5		)
Comprehensive income	$	235.1		$	221.6		$	108.9		$	(326.4	)	$	239.2
Balance Sheet
December 31, 2014
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	(in millions)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	827.7		$	11.1		$	89.4		$	(40.3	)	$	887.9
Short-term marketable securities	75			—			—			—			75
Receivables, net of allowance	—			190			215.7			(0.4		)	405.3
Income tax receivable	58.6			—			—			—			58.6
Inventory	—			836.6			249.8			(18.0		)	1,068.40
Property, plant, and equipment, net	29.3			774.8			4,663.10			(564.3		)	4,902.90
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	4,426.60			4,028.00			3.4			(8,458.0		)	—
Restricted cash	—			—			194.4			40.3			234.7
Goodwill and other assets	180.6			131.6			819			(30.2		)	1,101.00
	$	5,597.80		$	5,972.10		$	6,234.80		$	(9,070.9	)	$	8,733.80
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	15		$	154.8		$	126.2		$	(0.6	)	$	295.4
Accrued liabilities	235.8			286.9			186.9			—			709.6
Debt	789.5			39.1			2,724.40			—			3,553.00
Deferred income	—			34.5			1.9			—			36.4
Deferred income taxes	—			637.5			8.7			(13.6		)	632.6
Advances from subsidiaries	1,067.50			—			597.7			(1,665.2		)	—
Other liabilities	92.6			13.7			3.1			—			109.4
Total stockholders' equity	3,397.40			4,805.60			2,585.90			(7,391.5		)	3,397.40
	$	5,597.80		$	5,972.10		$	6,234.80		$	(9,070.9	)	$	8,733.80
Balance Sheet
December 31, 2013
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	(in millions)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	409.8		$	2.1		$	44		$	(27.4	)	$	428.5
Short-term marketable securities	149.7			—			—			—			149.7
Receivables, net of allowance	—			223.4			142.2			(0.6		)	365
Income tax receivable	7.7			—			—			—			7.7
Inventory	—			642.1			180.7			(8.1		)	814.7
Property, plant, and equipment, net	44.5			947.2			4,264.70			(485.8		)	4,770.60
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	3,431.70			2,806.50			79.8			(6,318.0		)	—
Restricted cash	—			25			208.3			27.4			260.7
Goodwill and other assets	133.1			144.3			247.8			(8.7		)	516.5
	$	4,176.50		$	4,790.60		$	5,167.50		$	(6,821.2	)	$	7,313.40
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	11.6		$	115.6		$	89.7		$	(0.6	)	$	216.3
Accrued liabilities	213			202.7			151.7			—			567.4
Debt	375.9			42.2			2,571.70			—			2,989.80
Deferred income	—			38.7			2.1			—			40.8
Deferred income taxes	—			655.9			3.5			(8.7		)	650.7
Advances from subsidiaries	744.5			—			19.2			(763.7		)	—
Other liabilities	82.4			13.9			3			—			99.3
Total stockholders' equity	2,749.10			3,721.60			2,326.60			(6,048.2		)	2,749.10
	$	4,176.50		$	4,790.60		$	5,167.50		$	(6,821.2	)	$	7,313.40
Statement of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	(in millions)
Operating activities:
Net income	$	678.2		$	727.1		$	265		$	(961.0	)	$	709.3
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
(Income) loss from discontinued operations	—			0.1			(0.1		)	—			—
Depreciation and amortization	6.1			24.9			213.6			—			244.6
Stock-based compensation expense	53.3			18.9			13.4			(32.3		)	53.3
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(24.4		)	—			—			—			(24.4		)
Provision for deferred income taxes	(4.0		)	(8.9		)	7.1			—			(5.8		)
Net gains on railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year	—			(41.4		)	(50.9		)	—			(92.3		)
Gains on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	1.4			—			(13.5		)	—			(12.1		)
Non-cash interest expense	15.7			(1.9		)	16.9			—			30.7
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	(50.9		)	33.4			(38.7		)	(0.2		)	(56.4		)
(Increase) decrease in inventories	—			(194.5		)	(1.7		)	9.9			(186.3		)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			25			—			—			25
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(38.8		)	13.2			(4.2		)	21.5			(8.3		)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	3.4			39.2			18.1			—			60.7
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities	2.1			72.8			12.1			(4.9		)	82.1
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	9.2			(0.2		)	(6.4		)	—			2.6
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	(740.2		)	(228.9		)	—			969.1			—
Other	(0.4		)	(3.5		)	(0.6		)	—			(4.5		)
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities - continuing	(89.3		)	475.3			430.1			2.1			818.2
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued	—			1			—			—			1
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities	(89.3		)	476.3			430.1			2.1			819.2
Investing activities:
(Increase) decrease in short-term marketable securities	74.7			—			—			—			74.7
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales	—			549.2			140.3			(423.7		)	265.8
Proceeds from disposition of PPE and other assets	0.4			—			22.6			—			23
Capital expenditures – leasing	—			(222.8		)	(446.2		)	423.7			(245.3		)
Capital expenditures – manufacturing and other	(9.2		)	(64.0		)	(146.1		)	—			(219.3		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(714.4		)	—			(714.4		)
(Increase) decrease in investment in partially-owned subsidiaries	—			(4.5		)	—			4.5			—
Other	0.9			(0.8		)	0.7			—			0.8
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - continuing	66.8			257.1			(1,143.1		)	4.5			(814.7		)
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - discontinued	—			—			—			—			—
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities	66.8			257.1			(1,143.1		)	4.5			(814.7		)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	0.6			—			—			—			0.6
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	24.4			—			—			—			24.4
Payments to retire debt	(0.5		)	(3.1		)	(183.0		)	—			(186.6		)
Proceeds from issuance of debt	395.7			—			331.6			—			727.3
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			—			13.9			(12.9		)	1
Shares repurchased	(36.5		)	—			—			—			(36.5		)
Dividends paid to common shareholders	(54.4		)	—			—			—			(54.4		)
Purchase of shares to satisfy employee tax on vested stock	(38.3		)	—			—			—			(38.3		)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	—			—			49.6			—			49.6
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(28.2		)	—			(28.2		)
Contributions from controlling interest in partially-owned subs	—			—			4.5			(4.5		)	—
Change in intercompany financing between entities	149.4			(719.1		)	571.8			(2.1		)	—
Other	—			(0.7		)	(1.8		)	—			(2.5		)
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities - continuing	440.4			(722.9		)	758.4			(19.5		)	456.4
Net cash required by financing activities - discontinued	—			(1.5		)	—			—			(1.5		)
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities	440.4			(724.4		)	758.4			(19.5		)	454.9
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	417.9			9			45.4			(12.9		)	459.4
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	409.8			2.1			44			(27.4		)	428.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	827.7		$	11.1		$	89.4		$	(40.3	)	$	887.9
Statement of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	(in millions)
Operating activities:
Net income	$	375.5		$	378.7		$	109.8		$	(471.6	)	$	392.4
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
(Income) loss from discontinued operations	—			(6.3		)	—			—			(6.3		)
Depreciation and amortization	4.5			31.5			175.5			—			211.5
Stock-based compensation expense	44.5			15.9			7.5			(23.4		)	44.5
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(8.5		)	—			—			—			(8.5		)
Provision for deferred income taxes	43.3			(5.3		)	7.8			—			45.8
Net gains on railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year	—			(10.9		)	(9.5		)	—			(20.4		)
Gain on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	(0.3		)	—			(0.5		)	—			(0.8		)
Non-cash interest expense	14.4			(0.9		)	17.3			—			30.8
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	1			27.6			(12.0		)	0.6			17.2
(Increase) decrease in inventories	—			(103.7		)	6.4			1.7			(95.6		)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			(25.0		)	—			—			(25.0		)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	146.8			9.3			(3.0		)	(182.2		)	(29.1		)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	0.1			15			14.4			(0.5		)	29
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities	61.8			20.5			(9.9		)	—			72.4
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	(45.4		)	4.7			(22.7		)	71.6			8.2
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	(378.3		)	(97.1		)	—			475.4			—
Other	(1.8		)	(4.4		)	(0.2		)	—			(6.4		)
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities - continuing	257.6			249.6			280.9			(128.4		)	659.7
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities - discontinued	—			2.5			—			—			2.5
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities	257.6			252.1			280.9			(128.4		)	662.2
Investing activities:
(Increase) decrease in short-term marketable securities	(149.7		)	—			—			—			(149.7		)
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales	—			322.4			57.1			(247.9		)	131.6
Proceeds from disposition of PPE and other assets	—			0.3			3.4			—			3.7
Capital expenditures – leasing	—			(545.6		)	(283.4		)	247.9			(581.1		)
Capital expenditures – manufacturing and other	(23.7		)	(34.1		)	(92.1		)	—			(149.9		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			35.6			(108.8		)	—			(73.2		)
(Increase) decrease in investment in partially-owned subsidiaries	—			47.3			—			(47.3		)	—
Other	108.8			—			—			(108.8		)	—
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - continuing	(64.6		)	(174.1		)	(423.8		)	(156.1		)	(818.6		)
Net cash provided by investing activities - discontinued	—			0.6			—			—			0.6
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities	(64.6		)	(173.5		)	(423.8		)	(156.1		)	(818.0		)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	2.5			—			—			—			2.5
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	8.5			—			—			—			8.5
Payments to retire debt	—			(52.2		)	(318.7		)	108.8			(262.1		)
Proceeds from issuance of debt	—			—			175			—			175
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			—			2.5			(15.0		)	(12.5		)
Shares repurchased	(103.2		)	—			—			—			(103.2		)
Dividends paid to common shareholders	(39.3		)	—			—			—			(39.3		)
Purchase of shares to satisfy employee tax on vested stock	(9.6		)	—			—			—			(9.6		)
Proceeds from sale of interests in partially-owned leasing subs	—			—			296.7			—			296.7
Repurchase of noncontrolling interest in partially-owned leasing subs	—			(84.0		)	—			—			(84.0		)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	—			—			50			—			50
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(10.0		)	—			(10.0		)
Distributions to controlling interest in partially-owned subsidiaries	—			—			(47.3		)	47.3			—
Change in intercompany financing between entities	(148.3		)	56.7			(36.8		)	128.4			—
Other	—			—			0.8			—			0.8
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities - continuing	(289.4		)	(79.5		)	112.2			269.5			12.8
Net cash required by financing activities - discontinued	—			(1.5		)	—			—			(1.5		)
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities	(289.4		)	(81.0		)	112.2			269.5			11.3
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(96.4		)	(2.4		)	(30.7		)	(15.0		)	(144.5		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	506.2			4.5			74.7			(12.4		)	573
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	409.8		$	2.1		$	44		$	(27.4	)	$	428.5
Statement of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	(in millions)
Operating activities:
Net income	$	255.2		$	227.7		$	97.2		$	(326.4	)	$	253.7
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
(Income) loss from discontinued operations	—			(1.4		)	(0.4		)	—			(1.8		)
Depreciation and amortization	3.9			30.4			159.4			—			193.7
Stock-based compensation expense	27.7			10.2			4.1			(14.3		)	27.7
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(0.6		)	—			—			—			(0.6		)
Provision for deferred income taxes	4.9			125.5			(4.1		)	—			126.3
Net gains on railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year	—			(9.0		)	(24.5		)	—			(33.5		)
Gain on disposition of PPE and other assets	(0.4		)	(0.4		)	(4.2		)	—			(5.0		)
Non-cash interest expense	13.3			0.3			17.6			—			31.2
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	(7.8		)	10.1			0.4			—			2.7
(Increase) decrease in inventories	—			(106.3		)	(24.9		)	3.2			(128.0		)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			—			—			—			—
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(30.2		)	(2.7		)	(3.3		)	(5.3		)	(41.5		)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	3.5			(26.0		)	5.8			—			(16.7		)
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities	5.9			109.5			6.2			3.9			125.5
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	(12.8		)	(33.7		)	(1.4		)	44			(3.9		)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	(246.6		)	(88.2		)	—			334.8			—
Other adjustments	0.9			(3.2		)	(0.9		)	—			(3.2		)
Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	16.9			242.8			227			39.9			526.6
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	—			0.8			—			—			0.8
Net cash provided by operating activities	16.9			243.6			227			39.9			527.4
Investing activities:
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year	—			527.6			88.7			(490.0		)	126.3
Proceeds from lease fleet sales – sale and leaseback	—			58.3			—			—			58.3
Proceeds from disposition of PPE and other assets	—			13.6			3.2			—			16.8
Capital expenditures – leasing subsidiary	—			(380.9		)	(461.7		)	490			(352.6		)
Capital expenditures – manufacturing and other	(6.6		)	(38.8		)	(71.2		)	—			(116.6		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			2.1			(48.3		)	—			(46.2		)
Other	—			—			1.7			—			1.7
Net cash required by investing activities - continuing	(6.6		)	181.9			(487.6		)	—			(312.3		)
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - discontinued	—			0.9			—			—			0.9
Net cash required by investing activities	(6.6		)	182.8			(487.6		)	—			(311.4		)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	4.1			—			—			—			4.1
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0.6			—			—			—			0.6
Payments to retire debt	—			(8.9		)	(369.5		)	—			(378.4		)
Proceeds from issuance of debt	—			—			443.8			—			443.8
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			—			(6.0		)	23.1			17.1
Shares repurchased	(45.2		)	—			—			—			(45.2		)
Dividends paid to common shareholders	(31.7		)	—			—			—			(31.7		)
Purchase of shares to satisfy employee tax on vested stock	(4.8		)	—			—			—			(4.8		)
Change in intercompany financing between entities	236.5			(415.4		)	218.8			(39.9		)	—
Other	—			—			(0.5		)	—			(0.5		)
Net cash provided by financing activities - continuing	159.5			(424.3		)	286.6			(16.8		)	5
Net cash required by financing activities - discontinued	—			0.9			—			—			0.9
Net cash provided by financing activities	159.5			(423.4		)	286.6			(16.8		)	5.9
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	169.8			3			26			23.1			221.9
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	336.4			1.5			48.7			(35.5		)	351.1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	506.2		$	4.5		$	74.7		$	(12.4	)	$	573

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,		December 31,
		2014			2014			2014		2014
		(in millions except per share data)
	Revenues:
	Manufacturing	$	1,018.30		$	1,259.90		$	1,359.80	$	1,425.60
	Leasing	442.2			225.4			203		235.8
		1,460.50			1,485.30			1,562.80		1,661.40
	Operating costs:
	Costs of revenues:
	Manufacturing	794.7			970.2			1,062.60		1,147.60
	Leasing	279.3			128.1			109.6		127.7
		1,074.00			1,098.30			1,172.20		1,275.30
	Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	83.6			96.4			113		110.6
	Gain on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	88.4			11.4			3.6		1
	Operating profit	391.3			302			281.2		276.5
	Net income from continuing operations	233.3			173.3			156.3		146.4
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	(0.3		)	(0.2		)	0.6		(0.1		)
	Net income	233			173.1			156.9		146.3
	Net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	226.4			164.2			149.4		138.2
	Net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. per common share:
	Basic:
	Continuing operations	$	1.46		$	1.05		$	0.95	$	0.89
	Discontinued operations	—			—			—		—
		$	1.46		$	1.05		$	0.95	$	0.89
	Diluted:
	Continuing operations	$	1.42		$	1.01		$	0.9	$	0.86
	Discontinued operations	—			—			—		—
		$	1.42		$	1.01		$	0.9	$	0.86
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,		December 31,
		2013			2013			2013		2013
		(in millions except per share data)
	Revenues:
	Manufacturing	$	798.5		$	896.5		$	959.7	$	1,065.20
	Leasing	134.4			169.6			150.6		190.8
		932.9			1,066.10			1,110.30		1,256.00
	Operating costs:
	Costs of revenues:
	Manufacturing	641.2			726			767		856.7
	Leasing	69.9			86.2			69.3		106
		711.1			812.2			836.3		962.7
	Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	69			71.5			70.6		80.2
	Gain on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	6.7			1			2.2		11.3
	Operating profit	159.5			183.4			205.6		224.4
	Net income from continuing operations	72.2			89.2			105.8		118.9
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	6.6			(1.0		)	0.3		0.4
	Net income	78.8			88.2			106.1		119.3
	Net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	79.1			84			99.6		112.8
	Net income (loss) attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. per common share:
	Basic:
	Continuing operations	$	0.46		$	0.53		$	0.63	$	0.72
	Discontinued operations	0.04			(0.01		)	—		—
		$	0.5		$	0.52		$	0.63	$	0.72
	Diluted:
	Continuing operations	$	0.46		$	0.53		$	0.63	$	0.72
	Discontinued operations	0.04			(0.01		)	—		—
		$	0.5		$	0.52		$	0.63	$	0.72

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The financial statements of Trinity Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (“Trinity”, “Company”, “we” or “our”) include the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its partially-owned subsidiaries, TRIP Rail Holdings LLC ("TRIP Holdings") and RIV 2013 Rail Holdings LLC ("RIV 2013"), in which the Company has a controlling interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity
	On May 5, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a 2-for-1 stock split on its common shares. The stock split was issued in the form of a 100% stock dividend. The additional shares were distributed on June 19, 2014, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 5, 2014. All share and per share information, including dividends, has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split, except for the statement of stockholders' equity which will reflect the stock split by reclassifying $78.0 million from "Capital in Excess of Par Value" to "Common Stock" representing the par value of the additional shares issued to effect the stock split.
	In March 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new $250 million share repurchase program that expires on December 31, 2015 and replaced the Company's previously authorized $200 million share repurchase program. Under the new program, 747,246 shares were repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2014, at a cost of $31.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 2,473,189 shares under the prior program at a cost of $108.2 million.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Revenues for contracts providing for a large number of units and few deliveries are recorded as the individual units are produced, inspected, and accepted by the customer as the risk of loss passes to the customer upon delivery acceptance on these contracts. This occurs primarily in the Rail and Inland Barge Groups. Revenue from rentals and operating leases, including contracts which contain non-level fixed rental payments, is recognized monthly on a straight-line basis. Revenue is recognized from the sales of railcars from the lease fleet on a gross basis in leasing revenues and cost of revenues if the railcar has been owned for one year or less at the time of sale. Sales of railcars from the lease fleet that have been owned for more than one year are recognized as a net gain or loss from the disposal of a long-term asset. Fees for shipping and handling are recorded as revenue. For all other products, we recognize revenue when products are shipped or services are provided.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The liability method is used to account for income taxes. Deferred income taxes represent the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Valuation allowances reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that will more likely than not be realized.
	The Company regularly evaluates the likelihood of realization of tax benefits derived from positions it has taken in various federal and state filings after consideration of all relevant facts, circumstances, and available information. For those tax positions that are deemed more likely than not to be sustained, the Company recognizes the benefit it believes is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized. To the extent the Company were to prevail in matters for which accruals have been established or be required to pay amounts in excess of recorded reserves, the effective tax rate in a given financial statement period could be materially impacted.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments
	The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments to be either cash and cash equivalents if purchased with a maturity of three months or less, or short-term marketable securities if purchased with a maturity of more than three months and less than one year. The Company intends to hold its short-term marketable securities until they are redeemed at their maturity date and believes that under the "more likely than not" criteria, the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity.
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk are primarily cash investments including restricted cash, short-term marketable securities, and receivables. The Company places its cash investments and short-term marketable securities in bank deposits and investment grade, short-term debt instruments and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one commercial issuer. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to control procedures that monitor the credit worthiness of customers, the large number of customers in the Company's customer base, and their dispersion across different industries and geographic areas. As receivables are generally unsecured, the Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the expected collectibility of all receivables. Receivable balances determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance. The carrying values of cash, short-term marketable securities, receivables and accounts payable are considered to be representative of their respective fair values.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined principally on the first in first out method. Market is replacement cost or net realizable value. Work in process and finished goods include material, labor, and overhead.
Property, Plant, and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives are: buildings and improvements - 3 to 30 years; leasehold improvements - the lesser of the term of the lease or 7 years; machinery and equipment - 2 to 10 years; information systems hardware and software - 2 to 5 years; and railcars in our lease fleet - generally 35 years. The costs of ordinary maintenance and repair are charged to operating costs while renewals and major replacements are capitalized.
Long-lived Assets	Long-lived Assets
	The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used for potential impairment. The carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used is considered impaired only when their carrying value is not recoverable through undiscounted future cash flows and the fair value of the assets is less than their carrying value. Fair value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risks involved or market quotes as available. Impairment losses on long-lived assets held for sale are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced by the estimated cost to dispose of the assets. Impairment losses were not material for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment annually, or on an interim basis whenever events or circumstances change, indicating that the carrying amount of the goodwill might be impaired. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process with step one requiring the comparison of the reporting unit's estimated fair value with the carrying amount of its net assets. If necessary, step two of the impairment test determines the amount of goodwill impairment to be recorded when the reporting unit's recorded net assets exceed its fair value. Impairment is assessed at the “reporting unit” level by applying a fair value-based test for each unit with recorded goodwill. The estimates and judgments that most significantly affect the fair value calculations are assumptions, consisting of level three inputs, related to revenue and operating profit growth, discount rates and exit multiples. During the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company considered certain state actions with regard to its highway products litigation as an indicator of possible goodwill impairment. See Note 18 Commitments and Contingencies for a fuller explanation of this matter. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's annual impairment test of goodwill was completed at the reporting unit level and no impairment charges were determined to be necessary.
	Intangible assets with defined useful lives, which as of December 31, 2014 had net book values of $58.8 million, are amortized over their estimated useful lives, and were also evaluated for potential impairment as of December 31, 2014.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash consists of cash and cash equivalents that are held either as collateral for the Company's non-recourse debt and lease obligations or security for the performance of certain product sales agreements and as such are restricted in use.
Insurance	Insurance
	The Company is effectively self-insured for workers' compensation claims. A third party administrator is used to process claims. We accrue our workers' compensation liability based upon independent actuarial studies.
Warranties	Warranties
	Depending on the product, the Company provides warranties against materials and manufacturing defects generally ranging from one to five years. The warranty costs are estimated using a two-step approach. First, an engineering estimate is made for the cost of all claims that have been asserted by customers. Second, based on historical claims experience, a cost is accrued for all products still within a warranty period for which no claims have been filed. The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized related to products covered by warranties, and assesses the adequacy of the resulting reserves on a quarterly basis.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	Operations outside the United States prepare financial statements in currencies other than the United States dollar. The income statement amounts are translated at average exchange rates for the year, while the assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates. Translation adjustments are accumulated as a separate component of stockholders' equity and other comprehensive income. The functional currency of our Mexico operations is considered to be the United States dollar. The functional currency of our Canadian operations is considered to be the Canadian dollar.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Other comprehensive net income (loss) consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, the effective unrealized gains and losses on the Company's derivative financial instruments, and the net actuarial gains and losses of the Company's defined benefit plans, the sum of which, along with net income (loss), constitutes comprehensive net income (loss). See Note 15 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (“AOCL”). All components are shown net of tax.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," ("ASU 2014-09") providing common revenue recognition guidance for U.S. GAAP. Under ASU 2014-09, an entity recognizes revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. It also requires additional detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 will become effective for public companies during interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.
Management's Estimates	Management's Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year balances have been reclassified in the consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2014 presentation.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition and divestiture activity	The Company's acquisition and divestiture activities are summarized below:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Acquisitions:
	Purchase price	$	720.9		$	125.2		$	48.8
	Net cash paid	$	714.4		$	73.2		$	46.2
	Goodwill recorded	$	495		$	37		$	20.9
	Divestitures:
	Proceeds	$	—		$	35.6		$	2.1
	Gain recognized	$	—		$	12.5		$	1.5
	Goodwill charged off	$	—		$	4.8		$	0.1
Preliminary purchase price allocation	The following table represents our preliminary purchase price allocation as of December 31, 2014:
		December 31,
		2014
		(in millions)
	Accounts receivable	$	29.4
	Inventories	36.1
	Property, plant, and equipment	70.5
	Goodwill	409.1
	Other assets	76
	Accounts payable	(15.4		)
	Accrued liabilities	(10.1		)
	Total net assets acquired	$	595.6
Intangibles arising from the Meyer acquisition	Based on our preliminary valuation, other assets include intangibles arising from the Meyer acquisition as follows:
		Preliminary estimated fair value			Weighted average useful life
		(in millions)
	Customer relationships	$	35.3		10.5 years
	Trademarks/trade names	34.1			Indefinite
	Technology	5.6			5.0 years
		$	75
Operating results of current year acquisitions	The operating results of our 2014 acquisitions, as summarized in the following table, are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations from their date of acquisition, exclude transaction-related acquisition costs that are included in the Corporate segment, and include additional amortization expense resulting from the preliminary purchase price allocation:
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-14
		(in millions)
	Revenues	$	187.4
	Operating profit	$	2.4
Pro-forma consolidated operating results	The following table represents the pro-forma consolidated operating results of the Company as if our 2014 acquisitions had been acquired on January 1, 2013. The pro-forma information should not be considered indicative of the results that would have occurred if the acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2013, nor is such pro-forma information necessarily indicative of future results.
		Year Ended December 31, 2014			Year Ended December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Revenues	$	6,369.80		$	4,830.80
	Operating profit	$	1,274.40		$	834.1
Acquisition activity by segment	The aggregate purchase price related to our acquisition activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 by segment follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Rail Group	$	—		$	23.1		$	—
	Construction Products Group	6.1			74.2			48.8
	Energy Equipment Group	714.8			27.9			—
		$	720.9		$	125.2		$	48.8
Condensed results of operations for the ready-mix concrete operations	Condensed results of operations for the ready-mix concrete operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Revenues	$	—		$	31.6		$	121.4
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	$	—		$	(1.6	)	$	2.9
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			(0.8		)	1.1
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	—		$	(0.8	)	$	1.8

Fair_Value_Accounting_Tables

Fair Value Accounting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on recurring basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
		Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2014
		Level 1				Level 2			Level 3				Total
		(in millions)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	415.2			$	—		$	—			$	415.2
	Restricted cash	234.7				—			—				234.7
	Total assets	$	649.9			$	—		$	—			$	649.9
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate hedges:(1)
	Wholly-owned subsidiaries	$	—			$	6.4		$	—			$	6.4
	Partially-owned subsidiaries	—				2			—				2
	Fuel derivative instruments(1)	—				2.1			—				2.1
	Total liabilities	$	—			$	10.5		$	—			$	10.5
		Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2013
		Level 1				Level 2			Level 3				Total
		(in millions)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	230.6			$	—		$	—			$	230.6
	Restricted cash	260.7				—			—				260.7
	Total assets	$	491.3			$	—		$	—			$	491.3
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate hedges:(1)
	Wholly-owned subsidiaries	$	—			$	21.7		$	—			$	21.7
	Partially-owned subsidiaries	—				2.1			—				2.1
	Total liabilities	$	—			$	23.8		$	—			$	23.8
	(1) Included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt are as follows:
			31-Dec-14							31-Dec-13
			Carrying				Estimated			Carrying				Estimated
			Value				Fair Value			Value				Fair Value
			(in millions)
	Recourse:
	Senior notes		$	399.6			$	387		$	—			$	—
	Convertible subordinated notes		449.5				593.9			450				593.4
	Less: unamortized discount		(59.6		)					(74.1		)
			389.9							375.9
	Capital lease obligations		39.1				39.1			42.2				42.2
	Other		0.7				0.7			0.9				0.9
			829.3				1,020.70			419				636.5
	Non-recourse:
	2006 secured railcar equipment notes		223				245.6			240.7				259.2
	Promissory notes		363.9				362.7			396.1				389.6
	2009 secured railcar equipment notes		188.8				227.7			199				229.5
	2010 secured railcar equipment notes		311.5				344			326.9				342.7
	TILC warehouse facility		120.6				120.6			152				152
	TRL 2012 secured railcar equipment notes		472.2				470.3			499.3				483.4
	(RIV 2013)
	TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes		1,043.70				1,121.40			756.8				819.8
			2,723.70				2,892.30			2,570.80				2,676.20
	Total		$	3,553.00			$	3,913.00		$	2,989.80			$	3,312.70

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Financial information from continuing operations for segments	The financial information from continuing operations for these segments is shown in the tables below. We operate principally in North America.
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Revenues								Operating Profit (Loss)			Assets			Depreciation & Amortization			Capital Expenditures
		External		Intersegment			Total
		(in millions)
	Rail Group	$	3,077.60	$	739.2		$	3,816.80		$	724.1		$	1,322.40		$	32.7		$	98.3
	Construction Products Group	546.1		5.6			551.7			65.4			459.3			22.7			37.1
	Inland Barge Group	638.5		—			638.5			114.4			177.1			9.3			9.7
	Energy Equipment Group	796		196.3			992.3			108.1			1,160.00			33			56
	Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group	1,106.40		11.9			1,118.30			516.3			4,972.10			130			245.3
	All Other	5.4		105			110.4			(25.6		)	56.3			9.6			9.3
	Segment Totals before Eliminations and Corporate	6,170.00		1,058.00			7,228.00			1,502.70			8,147.20			237.3			455.7
	Corporate	—		—			—			(119.0		)	1,147.10			7.4			8.9
	Eliminations – Lease subsidiary	—		(710.1		)	(710.1		)	(133.1		)	(557.2		)	—			—
	Eliminations – Other	—		(347.9		)	(347.9		)	0.4			(3.3		)	(0.1		)	—
	Consolidated Total	$	6,170.00	$	—		$	6,170.00		$	1,251.00		$	8,733.80		$	244.6		$	464.6
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Revenues								Operating Profit (Loss)			Assets			Depreciation & Amortization			Capital Expenditures
		External		Intersegment			Total
		(in millions)
	Rail Group	$	2,093.50	$	774		$	2,867.50		$	489.7		$	1,063.90		$	27.2		$	42.4
	Construction Products Group	508.6		16.4			525			52.6			459.9			20.9			17.1
	Inland Barge Group	576.6		0.1			576.7			96			170.3			8.1			18.4
	Energy Equipment Group	536.5		128.9			665.4			61.4			364.3			18.2			41.5
	Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group	645.4		—			645.4			296.8			5,026.90			129			581.1
	All Other	4.7		81.9			86.6			(13.7		)	49.8			3.7			4.4
	Segment Totals before Eliminations and Corporate	4,365.30		1,001.30			5,366.60			982.8			7,135.10			207.1			704.9
	Corporate	—		—			—			(73.4		)	731			4.5			26.1
	Eliminations – Lease subsidiary	—		(756.5		)	(756.5		)	(135.4		)	(549.7		)	—			—
	Eliminations – Other	—		(244.8		)	(244.8		)	(1.1		)	(3.0		)	(0.1		)	—
	Consolidated Total	$	4,365.30	$	—		$	4,365.30		$	772.9		$	7,313.40		$	211.5		$	731
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Revenues								Operating Profit (Loss)			Assets			Depreciation & Amortization			Capital Expenditures
		External		Intersegment			Total
		(in millions)
	Rail Group	$	1,512.10	$	500.9		$	2,013.00		$	199		$	916.2		$	21.8		$	47.8
	Construction Products Group	461.2		22.5			483.7			44.8			415.2			16.6			15.7
	Inland Barge Group	675.2		—			675.2			124.7			154.4			7.6			15
	Energy Equipment Group	506		52.6			558.6			18.2			400.1			19			25.2
	Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group	644.4		2.7			647.1			300.9			4,538.80			120.5			352.6
	All Other	13		68.4			81.4			(10.2		)	30.9			4.4			6.6
	Segment Totals before Eliminations and Corporate	3,811.90		647.1			4,459.00			677.4			6,455.60			189.9			462.9
	Corporate	—		—			—			(51.5		)	744.9			3.9			6.3
	Eliminations – Lease subsidiary	—		(485.9		)	(485.9		)	(50.8		)	(446.2		)	—			—
	Eliminations – Other	—		(161.2		)	(161.2		)	(0.3		)	(112.3		)	(0.1		)	—
	Consolidated Total	$	3,811.90	$	—		$	3,811.90		$	574.8		$	6,642.00		$	193.7		$	469.2
Externally reported revenues, operating profit, total assets, and long-lived assets for Mexico operations	Externally reported revenues and operating profit for our Mexico operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are presented below. Our Canadian operations were not significant in relation to the consolidated financial statements.
		External Revenues								Operating Profit
		Year Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Mexico	$	130.4	$	133.5		$	96.4		$	16.8		$	4		$	0.2
	Total assets and long-lived assets for our Mexico operations as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:
		Total Assets					Long-Lived Assets
		December 31,
		2014		2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Mexico	$	339	$	306.9		$	189.4		$	177.7

Railcar_Leasing_and_Management1

Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Future Contractual Minimum Rental Revenues on Leases [Line Items]
Selected consolidating financial information for the Leasing Group	Selected consolidating financial information for the Leasing Group is as follows:
		31-Dec-14
		Leasing Group
		Wholly-			Partially-			Manufacturing/			Total
		Owned			Owned			Corporate
		Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in millions)
	Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities	$	11.9		$	—		$	951		$	962.9
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	2,599.20		$	1,999.90		$	861		$	5,460.10
	Net deferred profit on railcars sold to the Leasing Group										(557.2		)
	Consolidated property, plant, and equipment, net										$	4,902.90
	Restricted cash	$	142.8		$	91.9		$	—		$	234.7
	Debt:
	Recourse	$	39.1		$	—		$	850.2		$	889.3
	Less: unamortized discount	—			—			(60.0		)	(60.0		)
		39.1			—			790.2			829.3
	Non-recourse	1,207.80			1,515.90			—			2,723.70
	Total debt	$	1,246.90		$	1,515.90		$	790.2		$	3,553.00
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	658.2		$	0.9		$	(44.1	)	$	615
		31-Dec-13
		Leasing Group
		Wholly-			Partially-			Manufacturing/			Total
		Owned			Owned			Corporate
		Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in millions)
	Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities	$	3.5		$	—		$	574.7		$	578.2
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	2,964.60		$	1,685.10		$	670.6		$	5,320.30
	Net deferred profit on railcars sold to the Leasing Group										(549.7		)
	Consolidated property, plant, and equipment, net										$	4,770.60
	Restricted cash	$	183.6		$	77.1		$	—		$	260.7
	Debt:
	Recourse	$	42.2		$	—		$	450.9		$	493.1
	Less: unamortized discount	—			—			(74.1		)	(74.1		)
		42.2			—			376.8			419
	Non-recourse	1,314.70			1,256.10			—			2,570.80
	Total debt	$	1,356.90		$	1,256.10		$	376.8		$	2,989.80
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	671.9		$	—		$	(32.5	)	$	639.4
	Net deferred profit on railcars sold to the Leasing Group consists of intersegment profit that is eliminated in consolidation and is, therefore, not allocated to an operating segment. See Note 5 Partially-Owned Leasing Subsidiaries and Note 11 Debt for a further discussion regarding the Company’s investment in its partially-owned leasing subsidiaries and the related indebtedness.
Selected consolidating income statement information for the Leasing Group
		Year Ended December 31,									Percent Change
		2014			2013			2012			2014 versus 2013			2013 versus 2012
		($ in millions)
	Revenues:
	Leasing and management	$	632		$	586.9		$	528.5		7.7	%		11.1	%
	Sale of railcars owned one year or less at the time of sale	486.3			58.5			118.6
	Total revenues	$	1,118.30		$	645.4		$	647.1		73.3			(0.3	)
	Operating profit:
	Leasing and management	$	287.9		$	267.3		$	242.6		7.7			10.2
	Railcar sales:
	Railcars owned one year or less at the time of sale	136.1			9.1			24.8
	Railcars owned more than one year at the time of sale	92.3			20.4			33.5
	Total operating profit	$	516.3		$	296.8		$	300.9		74			(1.4	)
	Operating profit margin:
	Leasing and management	45.6		%	45.5		%	45.9		%
	Railcar sales	*			*			*
	Total operating profit margin	46.2			46			46.5
	Selected expense information(1):
	Depreciation	$	130		$	129		$	120.5		0.8			7.1
	Maintenance	$	78.9		$	71.5		$	59.4		10.3			20.4
	Rent	$	52.9		$	53.3		$	50.9		(0.8	)		4.7
	Interest:
	External	$	153.3		$	153.5		$	161.2
	Intercompany	—			3.8			13.1
	Total interest expense	$	153.3		$	157.3		$	174.3		(2.5	)		(9.8	)
	* Not meaningful
	(1) Depreciation, maintenance, and rent expense are components of operating profit. Amortization of deferred profit on railcars sold from the Rail Group to the Leasing Group is included in the operating profit of the Leasing Group resulting in the recognition of depreciation expense based on the Company's original manufacturing cost of the railcars. Interest expense is not a component of operating profit and includes the effect of hedges. Intercompany interest expense is eliminated in consolidation and arises from Trinity’s previous ownership of a portion of TRIP Holdings’ Senior Secured Notes, which notes were retired in full in May 2013. See Note 11 Debt.
Future contractual minimum rental revenues on leases	Future contractual minimum rental revenues on leases are as follows:
		2015			2016			2017			2018				2019			Thereafter			Total
		(in millions)
	Future contractual minimum rental revenues	$	462.9		$	388.8		$	319.9		$	248.1			$	168.5		$	227.2		$	1,815.40
Operating leases with the Trusts
Future Contractual Minimum Rental Revenues on Leases [Line Items]
Future operating lease obligations and future contractual minimum rental revenues on leased railcars	Future operating lease obligations of the Leasing Group’s subsidiaries as well as future contractual minimum rental revenues related to these leases due to the Leasing Group are as follows:
			2015			2016			2017			2018				2019			Thereafter			Total
			(in millions)
	Future operating lease obligations of Trusts’ railcars		$	43		$	40		$	41.8		$	45.2			$	43.5		$	209.7		$	423.2
	Future contractual minimum rental revenues of Trusts’ railcars		$	73		$	60.6		$	46.2		$	35.4			$	23.1		$	35.6		$	273.9
Operating leases other than leases with the Trusts
Future Contractual Minimum Rental Revenues on Leases [Line Items]
Future operating lease obligations and future contractual minimum rental revenues on leased railcars	Future amounts due as well as future contractual minimum rental revenues related to operating leases other than leases discussed above are as follows:
			2015			2016			2017			2018				2019			Thereafter			Total
			(in millions)
	Future operating lease obligations		$	13		$	12.8		$	12.1		$	12			$	9.5		$	28.7		$	88.1
	Future contractual minimum rental revenues		$	18.7		$	17.4		$	10.6		$	6.2			$	3.4		$	5.8		$	62.1

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate hedges	Interest rate hedges
								Included in accompanying balance sheet
								at December 31, 2014
		Notional			Interest			Liability				AOCL –				Noncontrolling
		Amount			Rate(1)							loss/				Interest
												(income)
		(in millions, except %)
	Expired hedges:
	2006 secured railcar equipment notes	$	200		4.87	%		$	—			$	(1.3	)		$	—
	Promissory notes	$	370		5.34	%		$	—			$	1.2			$	—
	TRIP Holdings warehouse loan	$	788.5		3.6	%		$	—			$	10			$	13.6
	Open hedges:
	TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes	$	56.3		2.62	%		$	2			$	0.8			$	1.1
	Promissory notes	$	387.6		4.13	%		$	6.4			$	5.3			$	—
	(1)	Weighted average fixed interest rate
Interest rate hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Effect on statements of operations
		Effect on interest expense-increase/(decrease)
		Year Ended December 31,											Expected effect during next twelve months(1)
		2014			2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Expired hedges:
	2006 secured railcar equipment notes	$	(0.3	)	$	(0.3	)		$	(0.3	)		$	(0.3	)
	Promissory notes	$	2.9		$	3.1			$	3.3			$	1.2
	TRIP Holdings warehouse loan	$	5.1		$	6.1			$	6			$	4.9
	Open hedges:
	TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes	$	1.5		$	1.8			$	2			$	1.2
	Promissory notes	$	15.4		$	15.8			$	18.4			$	6.4
	(1)Based on the fair value of open hedges as of December 31, 2014
Fuel derivative instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Effect on statements of operations	Other Derivatives
		Effect on operating income - increase/(decrease)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Fuel hedges(1)	$	(2.3	)	$	—			$	0.4
	Foreign exchange hedges(2)	$	—		$	—			$	(0.4	)
	(1)	Included in cost of revenues in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations
	(2)	Included in other, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of property, plant, and equipment	The following table summarizes the components of property, plant, and equipment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Manufacturing/Corporate:
	Land	$	81.4		$	44.2
	Buildings and improvements	548.2			463.2
	Machinery and other	975.7			832.5
	Construction in progress	76.4			79
		1,681.70			1,418.90
	Less accumulated depreciation	(820.7		)	(748.3		)
		861			670.6
	Leasing:
	Wholly-owned subsidiaries:
	Machinery and other	10.7			10.3
	Equipment on lease	3,189.60			3,509.10
		3,200.30			3,519.40
	Less accumulated depreciation	(601.1		)	(554.8		)
		2,599.20			2,964.60
	Partially-owned subsidiaries:
	Equipment on lease	2,261.20			1,887.20
	Less accumulated depreciation	(261.3		)	(202.1		)
		1,999.90			1,685.10
	Net deferred profit on railcars sold to the Leasing Group	(557.2		)	(549.7		)
		$	4,902.90		$	4,770.60

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill by segment	Goodwill by segment is as follows:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in millions)
	Rail Group	$	134.6	$	134.6
	Construction Products Group	128.3		126.9
	Energy Equipment Group	508.5		14.9
	Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group	1.8		1.8
		$	773.2	$	278.2

Warranties_Tables

Warranties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in the accruals for warranties	The changes in the accruals for warranties for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
		31-Dec-14			December 31, 2013			31-Dec-12
		(in millions)
	Beginning balance	$	14.7		$	12.5		$	13.5
	Warranty costs incurred	(6.1		)	(5.9		)	(5.9		)
	Warranty originations and revisions	12.6			11.9			7.7
	Warranty expirations	(3.4		)	(3.8		)	(2.8		)
	Ending balance	$	17.8		$	14.7		$	12.5

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of debt	The following table summarizes the components of debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in millions)
	Corporate – Recourse:
	Revolving credit facility	$	—	$	—
	Senior notes, net of unamortized discount of $0.4 and $-	399.6		—
	Convertible subordinated notes, net of unamortized discount of $59.6 and $74.1	389.9		375.9
	Other	0.7		0.9
		790.2		376.8
	Leasing – Recourse:
	Capital lease obligations	39.1		42.2
	Total recourse debt	829.3		419
	Leasing – Non-recourse:
	Wholly-owned subsidiaries:
	2006 secured railcar equipment notes	223		240.7
	Promissory notes	363.9		396.1
	2009 secured railcar equipment notes	188.8		199
	2010 secured railcar equipment notes	311.5		326.9
	TILC warehouse facility	120.6		152
		1,207.80		1,314.70
	Partially-owned subsidiaries:
	TRL 2012 secured railcar equipment notes (RIV 2013)	472.2		499.3
	TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes	1,043.70		756.8
		1,515.90		1,256.10
	Total non–recourse debt	2,723.70		2,570.80
	Total debt	$	3,553.00	$	2,989.80
Total interest expense recognized on the Convertible Subordinated Notes	Total interest expense recognized on the Convertible Subordinated Notes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in millions)
	Coupon rate interest	$	17.4	$	17.4	$	17.4
	Amortized debt discount	14.5		13.4		12.3
		$	31.9	$	30.8	$	29.7
Remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements	The remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter
		(in millions)
	Recourse:
	Corporate	$	0.2	$	0.2	$	0.3	$	—	$	—	$	849.5
	Leasing – capital lease obligations (Note 6)	3.2		3.5		3.7		28.7		—		—
	Non-recourse – leasing (Note 6):
	2006 secured railcar equipment notes	18.5		21.8		24		25.3		28		105.4
	Promissory notes	25.5		338.4		—		—		—		—
	2009 secured railcar equipment notes	9.6		6.5		6.3		6.5		11.2		148.7
	2010 secured railcar equipment notes	15.3		14.9		13.7		10		7.6		250
	TILC warehouse facility	4		3.6		—		—		—		—
	TRL 2012 secured railcar equipment notes (RIV 2013)	23.2		22.3		22.9		23.1		22.2		358.5
	TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes	45.9		39.8		29.2		41.8		50.1		836.9
	Facility termination payments - TILC warehouse facility	37.7		75.3		—		—		—		—
	Total principal payments	$	183.1	$	526.3	$	100.1	$	135.4	$	119.1	$	2,549.00

Other_Net_Tables

Other, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other, net (income) expense	Other, net (income) expense consists of the following items:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Foreign currency exchange transactions	$	(1.2	)	$	0.3		$	(2.3	)
	Gain on equity investments	(0.8		)	(0.3		)	(0.4		)
	Other	(2.6		)	(2.8		)	(1.6		)
	Other, net	$	(4.6	)	$	(2.8	)	$	(4.3	)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of the provision for income taxes	The components of the provision for income taxes from continuing operations are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Current:
	Federal	$	322.7			$	141.8			$	(5.7	)
	State	19.4				13.7				7
	Foreign	18.5				3.1				6.4
	Total current	360.6				158.6				7.7
	Deferred:
	Federal	(4.0		)		44.3				126.6
	State	1.2				2.3				3.2
	Foreign	(3.0		)		(0.8		)		(3.5		)
	Total deferred	(5.8		)		45.8				126.3
	Provision	$	354.8			$	204.4			$	134
Reconciliation between the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate and the Company's effective income tax rate from continuing operations	The following is a reconciliation between the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate and the Company’s effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State taxes	1.4			2.1			2
	Domestic production activities deduction	(2.0	)		(1.4	)		—
	Noncontrolling interest in partially-owned subsidiaries	(1.1	)		(0.9	)		—
	Tax assessments and settlements	—			—			(0.6	)
	Changes in valuation allowances and reserves	0.1			(0.8	)		(1.4	)
	Other, net	(0.1	)		0.6			(0.3	)
	Effective rate	33.3	%		34.6	%		34.7	%
Components of deferred tax liabilities and assets	The components of deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in millions)
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	$	627.1			$	668.9
	Accrued liabilities and other	97.6				48.3
	Convertible debt	114.8				105.4
	Total deferred tax liabilities	839.5				822.6
	Deferred tax assets:
	Workers compensation, pensions, and other benefits	68.6				61.3
	Warranties and reserves	12.3				13.8
	Equity items	53.3				33.4
	Tax loss carryforwards and credits	25.1				27.5
	Inventory	29.2				18.8
	Total deferred tax assets	188.5				154.8
	Net deferred tax liabilities before valuation allowances	651				667.8
	Valuation allowances	9.6				10.2
	Net deferred tax liabilities before reserve for uncertain tax positions	660.6				678
	Deferred tax assets included in reserve for uncertain tax positions	(45.6		)		(38.6		)
	Adjusted net deferred tax liabilities	$	615			$	639.4
Change in unrecognized tax benefits	The change in unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Beginning balance	$	55			$	48.7			$	52.5
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year	5				4.8				4.1
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	2.5				2.8				—
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(0.1		)		—				(1.1		)
	Settlements	—				(0.3		)		(3.4		)
	Expiration of statute of limitations	(0.1		)		(1.0		)		(3.4		)
	Ending balance	$	62.3			$	55			$	48.7

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Tabl

Employee Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Actuarial assumptions	Actuarial assumptions
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the annual measurement date were:
	Obligation discount rate	4.33%		5.22%		4.25%
	Compensation increase rate	4.00%		4.00%		4.00%
	Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs were:
	Obligation discount rate	5.22%		4.25%		5.40%
	Long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.75%		7.75%		7.75%
	Compensation increase rate	4.00%		4.00%		3.00%
Components of net retirement cost	Components of net retirement cost
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Expense Components
	Service cost	$	0.5			$	1.1			$	0.9
	Interest	20.2				18.5				19.4
	Expected return on plan assets	(31.0		)		(26.6		)		(22.9		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	2.1				4.9				3.2
	Prior service cost	—				0.1				0.1
	Defined benefit expense	(8.2		)		(2.0		)		0.7
	Profit sharing	17.4				12.3				11.9
	Multiemployer plan	0.8				—				—
	Net expense	$	10			$	10.3			$	12.6
Obligations and funded status	Obligations and funded status
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in millions)
	Accumulated Benefit Obligations	$	473.8			$	392.1
	Projected Benefit Obligations:
	Beginning of year	$	392.1			$	442.5
	Service cost	0.5				1.1
	Interest	20.2				18.5
	Benefits paid	(16.4		)		(15.8		)
	Actuarial (gain)/loss	77.6				(54.2		)
	Curtailment	(0.1		)		—
	End of year	$	473.9			$	392.1
	Plans' Assets:
	Beginning of year	$	399.2			$	340.1
	Actual return on assets	36.7				56
	Employer contributions	15				18.9
	Benefits paid	(16.4		)		(15.8		)
	End of year	$	434.5			$	399.2
	Consolidated Balance Sheet Components:
	Other assets	$	1.2			$	17.8
	Accrued liabilities	(40.4		)		(10.7		)
	Net funded status	$	(39.4	)		$	7.1
	Percent of projected benefit obligations funded	91.7		%		101.8		%
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Actuarial gain (loss)	$	(71.9	)		$	83.7			$	(48.1	)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	2.1				4.9				3.2
	Amortization of prior service cost	—				0.1				0.1
	Curtailment	0.1				—				—
	Total before income taxes	(69.7		)		88.7				(44.8		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(25.9		)		32.9				(16.7		)
	Net amount recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(43.8	)		$	55.8			$	(28.1	)
Estimated fair value of plan assets and target asset allocations	The target and actual allocations of the plans' assets at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Target		December 31,
		Allocation		2014
	Cash and cash equivalents			1	%
	Liability hedging portfolio	50%		47	%
	Growth portfolio	50%		52	%
	Total			100	%
	The estimated fair value of the plans' assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, indicating input levels used to determine fair value are as follows:
		Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2014
		(in millions)
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
	Temporary cash investments	$	4.8			$	—			$	—		$	4.8
	Debt common trust funds	—				275				—			275
	Equity common trust funds	—				154.7				—			154.7
		$	4.8			$	429.7			$	—		$	434.5
		Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
	Temporary cash investments	$	7			$	—			$	—		$	7
	Debt common trust funds	—				101.3				—			101.3
	Equity common trust funds	—				290.9				—			290.9
		$	7			$	392.2			$	—		$	399.2
Details of the multiemployer plan
					PPA Zone Status						Contributions for Year Ended December 31,
	Pension Fund		Employer Identification Number		2014		2013		Financial improvement plan status		2014			2013		2012		Surcharge imposed	Expiration date of collective bargaining agreement
											(in millions)
	Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust		48-6168020		Yellow		Yellow		Implemented		$	0.6		$	—	$	—	No	July 3, 2016
Benefit payments for defined benefit plans expected to be paid during the next ten years	Benefit payments for the Company's defined benefit plans expected to be paid during the next ten years are as follows:
		Year Ending December 31,
		(in millions)
	2015	$	18.5
	2016	19.8
	2017	20.9
	2018	22
	2019	24
	2020-2024	133.7

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
		Currency translation adjustments			Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments			Net actuarial gains/(losses) of defined benefit plans			Accumulated
											Other
											Comprehensive
											Loss
		(in millions)
	Balances at December 31, 2011	$	(17.1	)	$	(46.2	)	$	(70.7	)	$	(134.0	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, before reclassifications	—			7.2			(30.3		)	(23.1		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit of $0.4, $3.2, $1.1, and $4.7	0.6			5.8			2.2			8.6
	Less: noncontrolling interest	—			(1.6		)	—			(1.6		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	0.6			11.4			(28.1		)	(16.1		)
	Balances at December 31, 2012	(16.5		)	(34.8		)	(98.8		)	(150.1		)
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax, before reclassifications	—			0.8			52.7			53.5
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit of $-, $8.7, $1.9, and $10.6	—			18.1			3.1			21.2
	Less: noncontrolling interest	—			(4.2		)	—			(4.2		)
	Other comprehensive income	—			14.7			55.8			70.5
	Sale of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiaries	—			13.2			—			13.2
	Repurchase of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiary	—			(11.8		)	—			(11.8		)
	Balances at December 31, 2013	(16.5		)	(18.7		)	(43.0		)	(78.2		)
	Other comprehensive loss, net of tax, before reclassifications	(2.0		)	(1.2		)	(45.1		)	(48.3		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit of $-, $8.4, $0.8, and $9.2	—			16			1.3			17.3
	Less: noncontrolling interest	—			(3.0		)	—			(3.0		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2.0		)	11.8			(43.8		)	(34.0		)
	Transfer of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiaries	—			0.3			—			0.3
	Balances at December 31, 2014	$	(18.5	)	$	(6.6	)	$	(86.8	)	$	(111.9	)

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of stock option activity
		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
							(in millions)
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	162,404		$	8.9	3.3	$3.00
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(67,111	)	$	8.95
	Cancelled	—		—
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	95,293		$	8.86	3.1	$1.80
Schedule of restricted stock activity
		Number of Restricted Share Awards		Weighted Average Grant-Date
				Fair Value per Award
	Restricted share awards outstanding at December 31, 2013	7,810,104		$	16.5
	Granted	2,364,839		32.35
	Vested	(2,625,396	)	16.09
	Forfeited	(136,578	)	22.05
	Restricted share awards outstanding at December 31, 2014	7,412,969		$	21.6

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of basic and diluted net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	The computation of basic and diluted net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. follows.
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-14
		(in millions, except per share amounts)
		Income			Average	EPS
		(Loss)			Shares
	Net income from continuing operations	$	709.3
	Less: net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	31.1
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	678.2
	Unvested restricted share participation	(22.1		)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. – basic	656.1			151	$	4.35
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—			0.1
	Convertible subordinated notes	0.7			5.6
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. – diluted	$	656.8		156.7	$	4.19
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	—
	Unvested restricted share participation	—
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes – basic	—			151	$	—
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—			0.1
	Convertible subordinated notes	—			5.6
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes – diluted	$	—		156.7	$	—
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-13
		(in millions, except per share amounts)
		Income			Average	EPS
		(Loss)			Shares
	Net income from continuing operations	$	386.1
	Less: net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	16.9
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	369.2
	Unvested restricted share participation	(12.0		)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. – basic	357.2			152.8	$	2.34
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—			0.1
	Convertible subordinated notes	—			—
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. – diluted	$	357.2		152.9	$	2.34
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	6.3
	Unvested restricted share participation	(0.2		)
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes – basic	6.1			152.8	$	0.04
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—			0.1
	Convertible subordinated notes	—			—
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes – diluted	$	6.1		152.9	$	0.04
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-12
		(in millions, except per share amounts)
		Income			Average	EPS
		(Loss)			Shares
	Net income from continuing operations	$	251.9
	Less: net loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1.5		)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	253.4
	Unvested restricted share participation	(7.7		)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. – basic	245.7			154.7	$	1.59
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—			0.4
	Convertible subordinated notes	—			—
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. – diluted	$	245.7		155.1	$	1.58
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	1.8
	Unvested restricted share participation	(0.1		)
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes – basic	1.7			154.7	$	0.01
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—			0.4
	Convertible subordinated notes	—			—
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes – diluted	$	1.7		155.1	$	0.01

Financial_Statements_for_Guara1

Financial Statements for Guarantors of the Senior Notes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Statements for Guarantors of the Senior Notes [Abstract]
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
	Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in millions)
	Revenues	$	—		$	4,725.40		$	2,294.20		$	(849.6	)	$	6,170.00
	Cost of revenues	—			3,705.30			1,770.20			(855.7		)	4,619.80
	Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	115.6			151.5			136.5			—			403.6
	Gains/(losses) on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	(1.4		)	41.4			64.4			—			104.4
		117			3,815.40			1,842.30			(855.7		)	4,919.00
	Operating profit (loss)	(117.0		)	910			451.9			6.1			1,251.00
	Other (income) expense	(60.3		)	86.3			160.9			—			186.9
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	740.2			228.9			—			(969.1		)	—
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	683.5			1,052.60			291			(963.0		)	1,064.10
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	5.3			325.4			26.1			(2.0		)	354.8
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	678.2			727.2			264.9			(961.0		)	709.3
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			(0.1		)	0.1			—			—
	Net income (loss)	678.2			727.1			265			(961.0		)	709.3
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			31.1			31.1
	Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	678.2		$	727.1		$	265		$	(992.1	)	$	678.2
	Net income (loss)	$	678.2		$	727.1		$	265		$	(961.0	)	$	709.3
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	(32.2		)	(10.0		)	11.2			—			(31.0		)
	Comprehensive income	$	646		$	717.1		$	276.2		$	(961.0	)	$	678.3
	Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in millions)
	Revenues	$	—		$	3,257.80		$	1,758.20		$	(650.7	)	$	4,365.30
	Cost of revenues	—			2,636.30			1,341.90			(655.9		)	3,322.30
	Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	72.8			128.9			90.3			(0.7		)	291.3
	Gains on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	0.3			10.9			10			—			21.2
		72.5			2,754.30			1,422.20			(656.6		)	3,592.40
	Operating profit (loss)	(72.5		)	503.5			336			5.9			772.9
	Other (income) expense	(71.5		)	61.2			192.7			—			182.4
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	378.3			97.1			—			(475.4		)	—
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	377.3			539.4			143.3			(469.5		)	590.5
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	1.8			167			33.5			2.1			204.4
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	375.5			372.4			109.8			(471.6		)	386.1
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			6.3			—			—			6.3
	Net income (loss)	375.5			378.7			109.8			(471.6		)	392.4
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			16.9			16.9
	Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	375.5		$	378.7		$	109.8		$	(488.5	)	$	375.5
	Net income (loss)	$	375.5		$	378.7		$	109.8		$	(471.6	)	$	392.4
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	47.7			9.9			17.1			—			74.7
	Comprehensive income	$	423.2		$	388.6		$	126.9		$	(471.6	)	$	467.1
	Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in millions)
	Revenues	$	—		$	2,791.50		$	1,429.00		$	(408.6	)	$	3,811.90
	Cost of revenues	—			2,385.30			1,087.90			(421.7		)	3,051.50
	Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	50.4			111.4			62.3			—			224.1
	Gains on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	0.4			9.4			28.7			—			38.5
		50			2,487.30			1,121.50			(421.7		)	3,237.10
	Operating profit (loss)	(50.0		)	304.2			307.5			13.1			574.8
	Other (income) expense	(56.5		)	49			196.4			—			188.9
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	246.6			88.2			—			(334.8		)	—
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	253.1			343.4			111.1			(321.7		)	385.9
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(2.1		)	117.1			14.3			4.7			134
Income (loss) from continuing operations	255.2			226.3			96.8			(326.4		)	251.9
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			1.4			0.4			—			1.8
Net income (loss)	255.2			227.7			97.2			(326.4		)	253.7
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(1.5		)	(1.5		)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	255.2		$	227.7		$	97.2		$	(324.9	)	$	255.2
Net income (loss)	$	255.2		$	227.7		$	97.2		$	(326.4	)	$	253.7
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(20.1		)	(6.1		)	11.7			—			(14.5		)
Comprehensive income	$	235.1		$	221.6		$	108.9		$	(326.4	)	$	239.2
Balance Sheets
	Balance Sheet
	December 31, 2014
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in millions)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	827.7		$	11.1		$	89.4		$	(40.3	)	$	887.9
	Short-term marketable securities	75			—			—			—			75
	Receivables, net of allowance	—			190			215.7			(0.4		)	405.3
	Income tax receivable	58.6			—			—			—			58.6
	Inventory	—			836.6			249.8			(18.0		)	1,068.40
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	29.3			774.8			4,663.10			(564.3		)	4,902.90
	Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	4,426.60			4,028.00			3.4			(8,458.0		)	—
	Restricted cash	—			—			194.4			40.3			234.7
	Goodwill and other assets	180.6			131.6			819			(30.2		)	1,101.00
		$	5,597.80		$	5,972.10		$	6,234.80		$	(9,070.9	)	$	8,733.80
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	15		$	154.8		$	126.2		$	(0.6	)	$	295.4
	Accrued liabilities	235.8			286.9			186.9			—			709.6
	Debt	789.5			39.1			2,724.40			—			3,553.00
	Deferred income	—			34.5			1.9			—			36.4
	Deferred income taxes	—			637.5			8.7			(13.6		)	632.6
	Advances from subsidiaries	1,067.50			—			597.7			(1,665.2		)	—
	Other liabilities	92.6			13.7			3.1			—			109.4
	Total stockholders' equity	3,397.40			4,805.60			2,585.90			(7,391.5		)	3,397.40
		$	5,597.80		$	5,972.10		$	6,234.80		$	(9,070.9	)	$	8,733.80
	Balance Sheet
	December 31, 2013
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in millions)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	409.8		$	2.1		$	44		$	(27.4	)	$	428.5
	Short-term marketable securities	149.7			—			—			—			149.7
	Receivables, net of allowance	—			223.4			142.2			(0.6		)	365
	Income tax receivable	7.7			—			—			—			7.7
	Inventory	—			642.1			180.7			(8.1		)	814.7
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	44.5			947.2			4,264.70			(485.8		)	4,770.60
	Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	3,431.70			2,806.50			79.8			(6,318.0		)	—
	Restricted cash	—			25			208.3			27.4			260.7
	Goodwill and other assets	133.1			144.3			247.8			(8.7		)	516.5
		$	4,176.50		$	4,790.60		$	5,167.50		$	(6,821.2	)	$	7,313.40
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	11.6		$	115.6		$	89.7		$	(0.6	)	$	216.3
	Accrued liabilities	213			202.7			151.7			—			567.4
	Debt	375.9			42.2			2,571.70			—			2,989.80
	Deferred income	—			38.7			2.1			—			40.8
	Deferred income taxes	—			655.9			3.5			(8.7		)	650.7
	Advances from subsidiaries	744.5			—			19.2			(763.7		)	—
	Other liabilities	82.4			13.9			3			—			99.3
	Total stockholders' equity	2,749.10			3,721.60			2,326.60			(6,048.2		)	2,749.10
		$	4,176.50		$	4,790.60		$	5,167.50		$	(6,821.2	)	$	7,313.40
Statements of Cash Flows
	Statement of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in millions)
	Operating activities:
	Net income	$	678.2		$	727.1		$	265		$	(961.0	)	$	709.3
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
	(Income) loss from discontinued operations	—			0.1			(0.1		)	—			—
	Depreciation and amortization	6.1			24.9			213.6			—			244.6
	Stock-based compensation expense	53.3			18.9			13.4			(32.3		)	53.3
	Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(24.4		)	—			—			—			(24.4		)
	Provision for deferred income taxes	(4.0		)	(8.9		)	7.1			—			(5.8		)
	Net gains on railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year	—			(41.4		)	(50.9		)	—			(92.3		)
	Gains on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	1.4			—			(13.5		)	—			(12.1		)
	Non-cash interest expense	15.7			(1.9		)	16.9			—			30.7
	Changes in assets and liabilities:
	(Increase) decrease in receivables	(50.9		)	33.4			(38.7		)	(0.2		)	(56.4		)
	(Increase) decrease in inventories	—			(194.5		)	(1.7		)	9.9			(186.3		)
	(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			25			—			—			25
	(Increase) decrease in other assets	(38.8		)	13.2			(4.2		)	21.5			(8.3		)
	Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	3.4			39.2			18.1			—			60.7
	Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities	2.1			72.8			12.1			(4.9		)	82.1
	Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	9.2			(0.2		)	(6.4		)	—			2.6
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	(740.2		)	(228.9		)	—			969.1			—
	Other	(0.4		)	(3.5		)	(0.6		)	—			(4.5		)
	Net cash provided (required) by operating activities - continuing	(89.3		)	475.3			430.1			2.1			818.2
	Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued	—			1			—			—			1
	Net cash provided (required) by operating activities	(89.3		)	476.3			430.1			2.1			819.2
	Investing activities:
	(Increase) decrease in short-term marketable securities	74.7			—			—			—			74.7
	Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales	—			549.2			140.3			(423.7		)	265.8
	Proceeds from disposition of PPE and other assets	0.4			—			22.6			—			23
	Capital expenditures – leasing	—			(222.8		)	(446.2		)	423.7			(245.3		)
	Capital expenditures – manufacturing and other	(9.2		)	(64.0		)	(146.1		)	—			(219.3		)
	Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(714.4		)	—			(714.4		)
	(Increase) decrease in investment in partially-owned subsidiaries	—			(4.5		)	—			4.5			—
	Other	0.9			(0.8		)	0.7			—			0.8
	Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - continuing	66.8			257.1			(1,143.1		)	4.5			(814.7		)
	Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - discontinued	—			—			—			—			—
	Net cash provided (required) by investing activities	66.8			257.1			(1,143.1		)	4.5			(814.7		)
	Financing activities:
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	0.6			—			—			—			0.6
	Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	24.4			—			—			—			24.4
	Payments to retire debt	(0.5		)	(3.1		)	(183.0		)	—			(186.6		)
	Proceeds from issuance of debt	395.7			—			331.6			—			727.3
	(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			—			13.9			(12.9		)	1
	Shares repurchased	(36.5		)	—			—			—			(36.5		)
	Dividends paid to common shareholders	(54.4		)	—			—			—			(54.4		)
	Purchase of shares to satisfy employee tax on vested stock	(38.3		)	—			—			—			(38.3		)
	Contributions from noncontrolling interest	—			—			49.6			—			49.6
	Distributions to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(28.2		)	—			(28.2		)
	Contributions from controlling interest in partially-owned subs	—			—			4.5			(4.5		)	—
	Change in intercompany financing between entities	149.4			(719.1		)	571.8			(2.1		)	—
	Other	—			(0.7		)	(1.8		)	—			(2.5		)
	Net cash provided (required) by financing activities - continuing	440.4			(722.9		)	758.4			(19.5		)	456.4
	Net cash required by financing activities - discontinued	—			(1.5		)	—			—			(1.5		)
	Net cash provided (required) by financing activities	440.4			(724.4		)	758.4			(19.5		)	454.9
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	417.9			9			45.4			(12.9		)	459.4
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	409.8			2.1			44			(27.4		)	428.5
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	827.7		$	11.1		$	89.4		$	(40.3	)	$	887.9
	Statement of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	(in millions)
Operating activities:
Net income	$	375.5		$	378.7		$	109.8		$	(471.6	)	$	392.4
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
(Income) loss from discontinued operations	—			(6.3		)	—			—			(6.3		)
Depreciation and amortization	4.5			31.5			175.5			—			211.5
Stock-based compensation expense	44.5			15.9			7.5			(23.4		)	44.5
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(8.5		)	—			—			—			(8.5		)
Provision for deferred income taxes	43.3			(5.3		)	7.8			—			45.8
Net gains on railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year	—			(10.9		)	(9.5		)	—			(20.4		)
Gain on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	(0.3		)	—			(0.5		)	—			(0.8		)
Non-cash interest expense	14.4			(0.9		)	17.3			—			30.8
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	1			27.6			(12.0		)	0.6			17.2
(Increase) decrease in inventories	—			(103.7		)	6.4			1.7			(95.6		)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			(25.0		)	—			—			(25.0		)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	146.8			9.3			(3.0		)	(182.2		)	(29.1		)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	0.1			15			14.4			(0.5		)	29
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities	61.8			20.5			(9.9		)	—			72.4
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	(45.4		)	4.7			(22.7		)	71.6			8.2
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	(378.3		)	(97.1		)	—			475.4			—
Other	(1.8		)	(4.4		)	(0.2		)	—			(6.4		)
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities - continuing	257.6			249.6			280.9			(128.4		)	659.7
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities - discontinued	—			2.5			—			—			2.5
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities	257.6			252.1			280.9			(128.4		)	662.2
Investing activities:
(Increase) decrease in short-term marketable securities	(149.7		)	—			—			—			(149.7		)
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales	—			322.4			57.1			(247.9		)	131.6
Proceeds from disposition of PPE and other assets	—			0.3			3.4			—			3.7
Capital expenditures – leasing	—			(545.6		)	(283.4		)	247.9			(581.1		)
Capital expenditures – manufacturing and other	(23.7		)	(34.1		)	(92.1		)	—			(149.9		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			35.6			(108.8		)	—			(73.2		)
(Increase) decrease in investment in partially-owned subsidiaries	—			47.3			—			(47.3		)	—
Other	108.8			—			—			(108.8		)	—
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - continuing	(64.6		)	(174.1		)	(423.8		)	(156.1		)	(818.6		)
Net cash provided by investing activities - discontinued	—			0.6			—			—			0.6
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities	(64.6		)	(173.5		)	(423.8		)	(156.1		)	(818.0		)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	2.5			—			—			—			2.5
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	8.5			—			—			—			8.5
Payments to retire debt	—			(52.2		)	(318.7		)	108.8			(262.1		)
Proceeds from issuance of debt	—			—			175			—			175
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			—			2.5			(15.0		)	(12.5		)
Shares repurchased	(103.2		)	—			—			—			(103.2		)
Dividends paid to common shareholders	(39.3		)	—			—			—			(39.3		)
Purchase of shares to satisfy employee tax on vested stock	(9.6		)	—			—			—			(9.6		)
Proceeds from sale of interests in partially-owned leasing subs	—			—			296.7			—			296.7
Repurchase of noncontrolling interest in partially-owned leasing subs	—			(84.0		)	—			—			(84.0		)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	—			—			50			—			50
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(10.0		)	—			(10.0		)
Distributions to controlling interest in partially-owned subsidiaries	—			—			(47.3		)	47.3			—
Change in intercompany financing between entities	(148.3		)	56.7			(36.8		)	128.4			—
Other	—			—			0.8			—			0.8
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities - continuing	(289.4		)	(79.5		)	112.2			269.5			12.8
Net cash required by financing activities - discontinued	—			(1.5		)	—			—			(1.5		)
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities	(289.4		)	(81.0		)	112.2			269.5			11.3
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(96.4		)	(2.4		)	(30.7		)	(15.0		)	(144.5		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	506.2			4.5			74.7			(12.4		)	573
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	409.8		$	2.1		$	44		$	(27.4	)	$	428.5
Statement of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	(in millions)
Operating activities:
Net income	$	255.2		$	227.7		$	97.2		$	(326.4	)	$	253.7
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
(Income) loss from discontinued operations	—			(1.4		)	(0.4		)	—			(1.8		)
Depreciation and amortization	3.9			30.4			159.4			—			193.7
Stock-based compensation expense	27.7			10.2			4.1			(14.3		)	27.7
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(0.6		)	—			—			—			(0.6		)
Provision for deferred income taxes	4.9			125.5			(4.1		)	—			126.3
Net gains on railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year	—			(9.0		)	(24.5		)	—			(33.5		)
Gain on disposition of PPE and other assets	(0.4		)	(0.4		)	(4.2		)	—			(5.0		)
Non-cash interest expense	13.3			0.3			17.6			—			31.2
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	(7.8		)	10.1			0.4			—			2.7
(Increase) decrease in inventories	—			(106.3		)	(24.9		)	3.2			(128.0		)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			—			—			—			—
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(30.2		)	(2.7		)	(3.3		)	(5.3		)	(41.5		)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	3.5			(26.0		)	5.8			—			(16.7		)
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities	5.9			109.5			6.2			3.9			125.5
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	(12.8		)	(33.7		)	(1.4		)	44			(3.9		)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	(246.6		)	(88.2		)	—			334.8			—
Other adjustments	0.9			(3.2		)	(0.9		)	—			(3.2		)
Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	16.9			242.8			227			39.9			526.6
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	—			0.8			—			—			0.8
Net cash provided by operating activities	16.9			243.6			227			39.9			527.4
Investing activities:
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year	—			527.6			88.7			(490.0		)	126.3
Proceeds from lease fleet sales – sale and leaseback	—			58.3			—			—			58.3
Proceeds from disposition of PPE and other assets	—			13.6			3.2			—			16.8
Capital expenditures – leasing subsidiary	—			(380.9		)	(461.7		)	490			(352.6		)
Capital expenditures – manufacturing and other	(6.6		)	(38.8		)	(71.2		)	—			(116.6		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			2.1			(48.3		)	—			(46.2		)
Other	—			—			1.7			—			1.7
Net cash required by investing activities - continuing	(6.6		)	181.9			(487.6		)	—			(312.3		)
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - discontinued	—			0.9			—			—			0.9
Net cash required by investing activities	(6.6		)	182.8			(487.6		)	—			(311.4		)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	4.1			—			—			—			4.1
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0.6			—			—			—			0.6
Payments to retire debt	—			(8.9		)	(369.5		)	—			(378.4		)
Proceeds from issuance of debt	—			—			443.8			—			443.8
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			—			(6.0		)	23.1			17.1
Shares repurchased	(45.2		)	—			—			—			(45.2		)
Dividends paid to common shareholders	(31.7		)	—			—			—			(31.7		)
Purchase of shares to satisfy employee tax on vested stock	(4.8		)	—			—			—			(4.8		)
Change in intercompany financing between entities	236.5			(415.4		)	218.8			(39.9		)	—
Other	—			—			(0.5		)	—			(0.5		)
Net cash provided by financing activities - continuing	159.5			(424.3		)	286.6			(16.8		)	5
Net cash required by financing activities - discontinued	—			0.9			—			—			0.9
Net cash provided by financing activities	159.5			(423.4		)	286.6			(16.8		)	5.9
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	169.8			3			26			23.1			221.9
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	336.4			1.5			48.7			(35.5		)	351.1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	506.2		$	4.5		$	74.7		$	(12.4	)	$	573

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,		December 31,
		2014			2014			2014		2014
		(in millions except per share data)
	Revenues:
	Manufacturing	$	1,018.30		$	1,259.90		$	1,359.80	$	1,425.60
	Leasing	442.2			225.4			203		235.8
		1,460.50			1,485.30			1,562.80		1,661.40
	Operating costs:
	Costs of revenues:
	Manufacturing	794.7			970.2			1,062.60		1,147.60
	Leasing	279.3			128.1			109.6		127.7
		1,074.00			1,098.30			1,172.20		1,275.30
	Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	83.6			96.4			113		110.6
	Gain on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	88.4			11.4			3.6		1
	Operating profit	391.3			302			281.2		276.5
	Net income from continuing operations	233.3			173.3			156.3		146.4
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	(0.3		)	(0.2		)	0.6		(0.1		)
	Net income	233			173.1			156.9		146.3
	Net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	226.4			164.2			149.4		138.2
	Net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. per common share:
	Basic:
	Continuing operations	$	1.46		$	1.05		$	0.95	$	0.89
	Discontinued operations	—			—			—		—
		$	1.46		$	1.05		$	0.95	$	0.89
	Diluted:
	Continuing operations	$	1.42		$	1.01		$	0.9	$	0.86
	Discontinued operations	—			—			—		—
		$	1.42		$	1.01		$	0.9	$	0.86
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,		December 31,
		2013			2013			2013		2013
		(in millions except per share data)
	Revenues:
	Manufacturing	$	798.5		$	896.5		$	959.7	$	1,065.20
	Leasing	134.4			169.6			150.6		190.8
		932.9			1,066.10			1,110.30		1,256.00
	Operating costs:
	Costs of revenues:
	Manufacturing	641.2			726			767		856.7
	Leasing	69.9			86.2			69.3		106
		711.1			812.2			836.3		962.7
	Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	69			71.5			70.6		80.2
	Gain on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	6.7			1			2.2		11.3
	Operating profit	159.5			183.4			205.6		224.4
	Net income from continuing operations	72.2			89.2			105.8		118.9
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	6.6			(1.0		)	0.3		0.4
	Net income	78.8			88.2			106.1		119.3
	Net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	79.1			84			99.6		112.8
	Net income (loss) attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. per common share:
	Basic:
	Continuing operations	$	0.46		$	0.53		$	0.63	$	0.72
	Discontinued operations	0.04			(0.01		)	—		—
		$	0.5		$	0.52		$	0.63	$	0.72
	Diluted:
	Continuing operations	$	0.46		$	0.53		$	0.63	$	0.72
	Discontinued operations	0.04			(0.01		)	—		—
		$	0.5		$	0.52		$	0.63	$	0.72

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Jun. 19, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock split, conversion ratio	2
Stock split, reclassification from APIC to Common Stock		$0
Cost of shares repurchased		31,500,000	108,200,000	45,200,000
Likelihood threshold for recognition of uncertain tax positions		50.00%
Goodwill impairment charges		0	0
Net book value of finite-lived intangible assets		58,800,000
Minimum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Product warranty period against materials and manufacturing defects		1 year
Maximum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Product warranty period against materials and manufacturing defects		5 years
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Estimated useful life		3 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Estimated useful life		30 years
Leasehold improvements | Maximum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Estimated useful life		7 years
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Estimated useful life		2 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Estimated useful life		10 years
Information systems hardware and software | Minimum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Estimated useful life		2 years
Information systems hardware and software | Maximum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Estimated useful life		5 years
Railcars in lease fleet
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Estimated useful life		35 years
Current repurchase program
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Authorized amount from Board of Directors for share repurchase					250,000,000
Share repurchase program expiry date					31-Dec-15
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)		747,246
Cost of shares repurchased		31,500,000
Prior repurchase program
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Authorized amount from Board of Directors for share repurchase					200,000,000
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)			2,473,189
Cost of shares repurchased			108,200,000
Common Stock
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock split, reclassification from APIC to Common Stock		$78,000,000

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_1

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Acquisitions:
Purchase price	$720.90	$125.20	$48.80
Net cash paid	714.4	73.2	46.2
Goodwill recorded	495	37	20.9
Divestitures:
Proceeds	0	35.6	2.1
Gain recognized	0	12.5	1.5
Goodwill charged off	$0	$4.80	$0.10

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_2

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$773.20	$278.20
Meyer
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	29.4
Inventories	36.1
Property, plant, and equipment	70.5
Goodwill	409.1
Other assets	76
Accounts payable	-15.4
Accrued liabilities	-10.1
Total net assets acquired	$595.60

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_3

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Details 2) (Meyer, USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Acquired	$75
Trademarks/trade names
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Preliminary estimated fair value	34.1
Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Preliminary estimated fair value	35.3
Weighted average useful life	10 years 6 months
Technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Preliminary estimated fair value	$5.60
Weighted average useful life	5 years

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_4

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	$187.40
Operating profit	$2.40

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_5

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	$6,369.80	$4,830.80
Operating profit	$1,274.40	$834.10

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_6

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price	$720.90	$125.20	$48.80
Rail Group
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price	0	23.1	0
Construction Products Group
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price	6.1	74.2	48.8
Energy Equipment Group
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price	$714.80	$27.90	$0

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_7

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$0	($0.80)	$1.10
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	-0.8	1.8
Ready-mix concrete operations
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Revenues	0	31.6	121.4
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	0	-1.6	2.9
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	0	-0.8	1.1
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0	($0.80)	$1.80

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_8

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price	$720.90	$125.20	$48.80
Ready-mix concrete operations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gain on sale of ready-mix concrete operations		12.5
Meyer
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price				595.6
Acquisition-related transaction costs	8.7
Acquisition-related non-recurring income tax expense	1.5
Energy Equipment Group
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price	714.8	27.9	0
Energy Equipment Group | Individually immaterial acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions	3
Construction Products Group
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price	$6.10	$74.20	$48.80
Construction Products Group | Individually immaterial acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions	1

Fair_Value_Accounting_Details

Fair Value Accounting (Details) (Fair value measurements, recurring, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$415.20		$230.60
Restricted cash	234.7		260.7
Total assets	649.9		491.3
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	10.5		23.8
Fuel derivative instruments
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	2.1	[1]
Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Interest rate hedges
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	6.4	[1]	21.7	[1]
Partially-owned subsidiaries | Interest rate hedges
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	2	[1]	2.1	[1]
Level 1
Assets:
Cash equivalents	415.2		230.6
Restricted cash	234.7		260.7
Total assets	649.9		491.3
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0		0
Level 1 | Fuel derivative instruments
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	0	[1]
Level 1 | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Interest rate hedges
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Level 1 | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Interest rate hedges
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Level 2
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0		0
Restricted cash	0		0
Total assets	0		0
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	10.5		23.8
Level 2 | Fuel derivative instruments
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	2.1	[1]
Level 2 | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Interest rate hedges
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	6.4	[1]	21.7	[1]
Level 2 | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Interest rate hedges
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	2	[1]	2.1	[1]
Level 3
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0		0
Restricted cash	0		0
Total assets	0		0
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0		0
Level 3 | Fuel derivative instruments
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	0	[1]
Level 3 | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Interest rate hedges
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Level 3 | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Interest rate hedges
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$0	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	Included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

Fair_Value_Accounting_Details_

Fair Value Accounting (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2009
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Less: unamortized discount	($60)	($74.10)
Notes payable	1,207.80	1,314.70
Total debt	3,553	2,989.80
Manufacturing/ Corporate
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	790.2	376.8
Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	1,246.90	1,356.90
Partially-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	1,515.90	1,256.10
Recourse
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Less: unamortized discount	-60	-74.1
Total debt	829.3	419
Recourse | Manufacturing/ Corporate
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Less: unamortized discount	-60	-74.1
Total debt	790.2	376.8
Recourse | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Less: unamortized discount	0	0
Total debt	39.1	42.2
Recourse | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Less: unamortized discount	0	0
Total debt	0	0
Recourse | Convertible subordinated notes | Corporate
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Convertible subordinated notes	450
Recourse | Capital lease obligations
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Capital lease obligations			56.6
Recourse | Capital lease obligations | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Capital lease obligations			56.6
Non-recourse
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	2,723.70	2,570.80
Non-recourse | Manufacturing/ Corporate
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	0	0
Non-recourse | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	1,207.80	1,314.70
Non-recourse | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	1,515.90	1,256.10
Carrying Value
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	3,553	2,989.80
Carrying Value | Recourse
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	829.3	419
Carrying Value | Recourse | Corporate
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Other	0.7	0.9
Total debt	790.2	376.8
Carrying Value | Recourse | Senior notes | Corporate
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Senior notes	399.6	0
Less: unamortized discount	-0.4	0
Carrying Value | Recourse | Convertible subordinated notes | Corporate
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Convertible subordinated notes	449.5	450
Less: unamortized discount	-59.6	-74.1
Convertible subordinated notes, net	389.9	375.9
Carrying Value | Recourse | Capital lease obligations | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Capital lease obligations	39.1	42.2
Carrying Value | Non-recourse | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	2,723.70	2,570.80
Carrying Value | Non-recourse | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	1,207.80	1,314.70
Carrying Value | Non-recourse | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Notes payable	1,515.90	1,256.10
Carrying Value | Non-recourse | 2006 secured railcar equipment notes | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Notes payable	223	240.7
Carrying Value | Non-recourse | Promissory notes | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Notes payable	363.9	396.1
Carrying Value | Non-recourse | 2009 secured railcar equipment notes | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Notes payable	188.8	199
Carrying Value | Non-recourse | 2010 secured railcar equipment notes | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Notes payable	311.5	326.9
Carrying Value | Non-recourse | TILC warehouse facility | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Revolving credit facility	120.6	152
Carrying Value | Non-recourse | TRL 2012 secured railcar equipment notes (RIV 2013) | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Notes payable	472.2	499.3
Carrying Value | Non-recourse | TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Notes payable	1,043.70	756.8
Estimated Fair Value
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	3,913	3,312.70
Estimated Fair Value | Recourse
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	1,020.70	636.5
Estimated Fair Value | Recourse | Corporate
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Convertible subordinated notes	593.9	593.4
Other	0.7	0.9
Estimated Fair Value | Recourse | Senior notes | Corporate
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Senior notes	387	0
Estimated Fair Value | Recourse | Capital lease obligations | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Capital lease obligations	39.1	42.2
Estimated Fair Value | Non-recourse | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Total debt	2,892.30	2,676.20
Estimated Fair Value | Non-recourse | 2006 secured railcar equipment notes | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Notes payable	245.6	259.2
Estimated Fair Value | Non-recourse | Promissory notes | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Notes payable	362.7	389.6
Estimated Fair Value | Non-recourse | 2009 secured railcar equipment notes | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Notes payable	227.7	229.5
Estimated Fair Value | Non-recourse | 2010 secured railcar equipment notes | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Notes payable	344	342.7
Estimated Fair Value | Non-recourse | TILC warehouse facility | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Revolving credit facility	120.6	152
Estimated Fair Value | Non-recourse | TRL 2012 secured railcar equipment notes (RIV 2013) | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Notes payable	470.3	483.4
Estimated Fair Value | Non-recourse | TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt
Notes payable	$1,121.40	$819.80

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues	$1,661.40	$1,562.80	$1,485.30	$1,460.50	$1,256	$1,110.30	$1,066.10	$932.90	$6,170		$4,365.30		$3,811.90
Operating Profit (Loss)	276.5	281.2	302	391.3	224.4	205.6	183.4	159.5	1,251		772.9		574.8
Assets	8,733.80				7,313.40				8,733.80		7,313.40		6,642
Depreciation & Amortization									244.6		211.5		193.7
Capital Expenditures									464.6		731		469.2
Rail Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									3,077.60		2,093.50		1,512.10
Operating Profit (Loss)									724.1		489.7		199
Assets	1,322.40				1,063.90				1,322.40		1,063.90		916.2
Depreciation & Amortization									32.7		27.2		21.8
Capital Expenditures									98.3		42.4		47.8
Construction Products Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									546.1		508.6		461.2
Operating Profit (Loss)									65.4		52.6		44.8
Assets	459.3				459.9				459.3		459.9		415.2
Depreciation & Amortization									22.7		20.9		16.6
Capital Expenditures									37.1		17.1		15.7
Inland Barge Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									638.5		576.6		675.2
Operating Profit (Loss)									114.4		96		124.7
Assets	177.1				170.3				177.1		170.3		154.4
Depreciation & Amortization									9.3		8.1		7.6
Capital Expenditures									9.7		18.4		15
Energy Equipment Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									796		536.5		506
Operating Profit (Loss)									108.1		61.4		18.2
Assets	1,160				364.3				1,160		364.3		400.1
Depreciation & Amortization									33		18.2		19
Capital Expenditures									56		41.5		25.2
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									1,106.40		645.4		644.4
Operating Profit (Loss)									516.3		296.8		300.9
Assets	4,972.10				5,026.90				4,972.10		5,026.90		4,538.80
Depreciation & Amortization									130	[1]	129	[1]	120.5	[1]
Capital Expenditures									245.3		581.1		352.6
All Other
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									5.4		4.7		13
Operating Profit (Loss)									-25.6		-13.7		-10.2
Assets	56.3				49.8				56.3		49.8		30.9
Depreciation & Amortization									9.6		3.7		4.4
Capital Expenditures									9.3		4.4		6.6
Segment Totals before Eliminations and Corporate
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									6,170		4,365.30		3,811.90
Operating Profit (Loss)									1,502.70		982.8		677.4
Assets	8,147.20				7,135.10				8,147.20		7,135.10		6,455.60
Depreciation & Amortization									237.3		207.1		189.9
Capital Expenditures									455.7		704.9		462.9
Corporate
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									0		0		0
Operating Profit (Loss)									-119		-73.4		-51.5
Assets	1,147.10				731				1,147.10		731		744.9
Depreciation & Amortization									7.4		4.5		3.9
Capital Expenditures									8.9		26.1		6.3
Eliminations – Lease subsidiary
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									0		0		0
Operating Profit (Loss)									-133.1		-135.4		-50.8
Assets	-557.2				-549.7				-557.2		-549.7		-446.2
Depreciation & Amortization									0		0		0
Capital Expenditures									0		0		0
Eliminations – Other
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									0		0		0
Operating Profit (Loss)									0.4		-1.1		-0.3
Assets	-3.3				-3				-3.3		-3		-112.3
Depreciation & Amortization									-0.1		-0.1		-0.1
Capital Expenditures									0		0		0
Intersegment
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									0		0		0
Intersegment | Rail Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									739.2		774		500.9
Intersegment | Construction Products Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									5.6		16.4		22.5
Intersegment | Inland Barge Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									0		0.1		0
Intersegment | Energy Equipment Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									196.3		128.9		52.6
Intersegment | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									11.9		0		2.7
Intersegment | All Other
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									105		81.9		68.4
Intersegment | Segment Totals before Eliminations and Corporate
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									1,058		1,001.30		647.1
Intersegment | Corporate
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									0		0		0
Intersegment | Eliminations – Lease subsidiary
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									-710.1		-756.5		-485.9
Intersegment | Eliminations – Other
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									-347.9		-244.8		-161.2
Total
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									6,170		4,365.30		3,811.90
Total | Rail Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									3,816.80		2,867.50		2,013
Total | Construction Products Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									551.7		525		483.7
Total | Inland Barge Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									638.5		576.7		675.2
Total | Energy Equipment Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									992.3		665.4		558.6
Total | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									1,118.30		645.4		647.1
Operating Profit (Loss)									516.3		296.8		300.9
Total | All Other
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									110.4		86.6		81.4
Total | Segment Totals before Eliminations and Corporate
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									7,228		5,366.60		4,459
Total | Corporate
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									0		0		0
Total | Eliminations – Lease subsidiary
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									-710.1		-756.5		-485.9
Total | Eliminations – Other
Financial Information from continuing operations for segments
Revenues									($347.90)		($244.80)		($161.20)
[1]	Depreciation, maintenance, and rent expense are components of operating profit. Amortization of deferred profit on railcars sold from the Rail Group to the Leasing Group is included in the operating profit of the Leasing Group resulting in the recognition of depreciation expense based on the Company's original manufacturing cost of the railcars. Interest expense is not a component of operating profit and includes the effect of hedges. Intercompany interest expense is eliminated in consolidation and arises from Trinity’s previous ownership of a portion of TRIP Holdings’ Senior Secured Notes, which notes were retired in full in May 2013. See Note 11 Debt.

Segment_Information_Details_Te

Segment Information (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
									segments
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Operating Profit Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Abstract]
Revenues	$1,661.40	$1,562.80	$1,485.30	$1,460.50	$1,256	$1,110.30	$1,066.10	$932.90	$6,170	$4,365.30	$3,811.90
Operating Profit	276.5	281.2	302	391.3	224.4	205.6	183.4	159.5	1,251	772.9	574.8
Schedule of Assets and Long Lived Assets from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Abstract]
Total Assets	8,733.80				7,313.40				8,733.80	7,313.40
Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of principal business segments of Company									5
Mexico
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Operating Profit Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Abstract]
Revenues									130.4	133.5	96.4
Operating Profit									16.8	4	0.2
Schedule of Assets and Long Lived Assets from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Abstract]
Total Assets	339				306.9				339	306.9
Long-Lived Assets	$189.40				$177.70				$189.40	$177.70

PartiallyOwned_Leasing_Subsidi1

Partially-Owned Leasing Subsidiaries (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	31-May-14
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Contribution from third-party investors to TRIP Holdings	$49.60	$50	$0
Partially-owned subsidiaries
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Trinity guarantees of subsidiary-related activities	0
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Partially-owned subsidiaries
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Number of subsidiaries	2
Number of board members	7
Number of TILC designated board members	2
Carrying value of investment in partially-owned subsidiaries	229.1
Ownership percentage in partially-owned subsidiaries	39.00%
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | TRIP Rail Leasing
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Number of railcars owned	0
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | TRIP Holdings
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Date through which equity funding is committed	May-16
Remaining equity commitment outstanding from TILC	5.7
Remaining equity commitment outstanding from third parties	12.9
Date through which equity is committed, extended date	May-19
Contribution from TILC to TRIP Holdings				21.6
Contribution from third-party investors to TRIP Holdings				$49.60

Railcar_Leasing_and_Management2

Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Consolidating Financial Information
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities	$962.90	$578.20
Property, plant, and equipment, net	5,460.10	5,320.30
Net deferred profit on railcars sold to the Leasing Group	-557.2	-549.7
Property, plant, and equipment, net	4,902.90	4,770.60
Restricted cash	234.7	260.7
Debt:
Less: unamortized discount	-60	-74.1
Total debt	3,553	2,989.80
Net deferred tax liabilities	615	639.4
Recourse
Debt:
Recourse	889.3	493.1
Less: unamortized discount	-60	-74.1
Total debt	829.3	419
Non-recourse
Debt:
Total debt	2,723.70	2,570.80
Partially-owned subsidiaries
Consolidating Financial Information
Restricted cash	91.9	77.1
Leasing Group
Consolidating Financial Information
Net deferred profit on railcars sold to the Leasing Group	-557.2	-549.7
Leasing Group | Wholly-owned subsidiaries
Consolidating Financial Information
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities	11.9	3.5
Property, plant, and equipment, net	2,599.20	2,964.60
Restricted cash	142.8	183.6
Debt:
Total debt	1,246.90	1,356.90
Net deferred tax liabilities	658.2	671.9
Leasing Group | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Recourse
Debt:
Recourse	39.1	42.2
Less: unamortized discount	0	0
Total debt	39.1	42.2
Leasing Group | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Non-recourse
Debt:
Total debt	1,207.80	1,314.70
Leasing Group | Partially-owned subsidiaries
Consolidating Financial Information
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities	0	0
Property, plant, and equipment, net	1,999.90	1,685.10
Restricted cash	91.9	77.1
Debt:
Total debt	1,515.90	1,256.10
Net deferred tax liabilities	0.9	0
Leasing Group | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Recourse
Debt:
Recourse	0	0
Less: unamortized discount	0	0
Total debt	0	0
Leasing Group | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Non-recourse
Debt:
Total debt	1,515.90	1,256.10
Manufacturing/ Corporate
Consolidating Financial Information
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities	951	574.7
Property, plant, and equipment, net	861	670.6
Restricted cash	0	0
Debt:
Total debt	790.2	376.8
Net deferred tax liabilities	-44.1	-32.5
Manufacturing/ Corporate | Recourse
Debt:
Recourse	850.2	450.9
Less: unamortized discount	-60	-74.1
Total debt	790.2	376.8
Manufacturing/ Corporate | Non-recourse
Debt:
Total debt	$0	$0

Railcar_Leasing_and_Management3

Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Total revenues	$1,661.40	$1,562.80	$1,485.30	$1,460.50	$1,256	$1,110.30	$1,066.10	$932.90	$6,170		$4,365.30		$3,811.90
Operating profit:
Total operating profit	276.5	281.2	302	391.3	224.4	205.6	183.4	159.5	1,251		772.9		574.8
Selected expense information:
Depreciation									244.6		211.5		193.7
Interest:
Total interest expense									193.4		187.3		194.7
Total
Revenues:
Total revenues									6,170		4,365.30		3,811.90
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Revenues:
Total revenues									1,106.40		645.4		644.4
Operating profit:
Total operating profit									516.3		296.8		300.9
Operating profit margin:
Total operating profit margin									46.20%		46.00%		46.50%
Selected expense information:
Depreciation									130	[1]	129	[1]	120.5	[1]
Percent Change, Depreciation									0.80%	[1]	7.10%	[1]
Maintenance									78.9	[1]	71.5	[1]	59.4	[1]
Percent Change, Maintenance									10.30%	[1]	20.40%	[1]
Rent									52.9	[1]	53.3	[1]	50.9	[1]
Percent Change, Rent									-0.80%	[1]	4.70%	[1]
Interest:
Total interest expense									153.3	[1]	153.5	[1]	161.2	[1]
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Intercompany
Interest:
Total interest expense									0	[1]	3.8	[1]	13.1	[1]
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Total
Revenues:
Total revenues									1,118.30		645.4		647.1
Percent Change, Revenues									73.30%		-0.30%
Operating profit:
Total operating profit									516.3		296.8		300.9
Percentage Change, Operating profit									74.00%		-1.40%
Interest:
Total interest expense									153.3	[1]	157.3	[1]	174.3	[1]
Percent Change, Total interest expense									-2.50%	[1]	-9.80%	[1]
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Leasing and management
Revenues:
Total revenues									632		586.9		528.5
Percent Change, Revenues									7.70%		11.10%
Operating profit:
Total operating profit									287.9		267.3		242.6
Percentage Change, Operating profit									7.70%		10.20%
Operating profit margin:
Total operating profit margin									45.60%		45.50%		45.90%
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Railcars owned one year or less at the time of sale
Revenues:
Total revenues									486.3		58.5		118.6
Operating profit:
Total operating profit									136.1		9.1		24.8
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Railcars owned more than one year at the time of sale
Operating profit:
Total operating profit									$92.30		$20.40		$33.50
[1]	Depreciation, maintenance, and rent expense are components of operating profit. Amortization of deferred profit on railcars sold from the Rail Group to the Leasing Group is included in the operating profit of the Leasing Group resulting in the recognition of depreciation expense based on the Company's original manufacturing cost of the railcars. Interest expense is not a component of operating profit and includes the effect of hedges. Intercompany interest expense is eliminated in consolidation and arises from Trinity’s previous ownership of a portion of TRIP Holdings’ Senior Secured Notes, which notes were retired in full in May 2013. See Note 11 Debt.

Railcar_Leasing_and_Management4

Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Details 2) (Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Future contractual minimum rental revenues on leases
2015	$462.90
2016	388.8
2017	319.9
2018	248.1
2019	168.5
Thereafter	227.2
Total	$1,815.40

Railcar_Leasing_and_Management5

Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Details 3) (Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Future contractual minimum rental revenues on leases
2015	$462.90
2016	388.8
2017	319.9
2018	248.1
2019	168.5
Thereafter	227.2
Total	1,815.40
Operating leases with the Trusts
Future contractual minimum lease obligations on leases
2015	43
2016	40
2017	41.8
2018	45.2
2019	43.5
Thereafter	209.7
Total	423.2
Future contractual minimum rental revenues on leases
2015	73
2016	60.6
2017	46.2
2018	35.4
2019	23.1
Thereafter	35.6
Total	$273.90

Railcar_Leasing_and_Management6

Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Details 4) (Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Future contractual minimum rental revenues on leases
2015	$462.90
2016	388.8
2017	319.9
2018	248.1
2019	168.5
Thereafter	227.2
Total	1,815.40
Operating leases other than leases with the Trusts
Future contractual minimum lease obligations on leases
2015	13
2016	12.8
2017	12.1
2018	12
2019	9.5
Thereafter	28.7
Total	88.1
Future contractual minimum rental revenues on leases
2015	18.7
2016	17.4
2017	10.6
2018	6.2
2019	3.4
Thereafter	5.8
Total	$62.10

Railcar_Leasing_and_Management7

Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			13 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2009
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Revenues	$1,661.40	$1,562.80	$1,485.30	$1,460.50	$1,256	$1,110.30	$1,066.10	$932.90	$6,170	$4,365.30	$3,811.90
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year at the time of sale									265.8	131.6	126.3
Assets	8,733.80				7,313.40				8,733.80	7,313.40		8,733.80
Recourse | Capital lease obligations
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Capital lease obligations													56.6
Rail Group
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Revenues									3,077.60	2,093.50	1,512.10
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Revenues									1,106.40	645.4	644.4
Operating lease obligations guaranteed by Trinity Industries, Inc. and certain subsidiaries	17.6								17.6			17.6
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Wholly-owned subsidiaries
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Net book value of equipment pledged as collateral	1,841.90								1,841.90			1,841.90
Net book value of equipment securing capital lease obligations	45.6								45.6			45.6
Net book value of unpledged equipment	672.8								672.8			672.8
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | TRIP Holdings
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Net book value of equipment pledged as collateral	1,398.10								1,398.10			1,398.10
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | TRL 2012
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Net book value of equipment pledged as collateral	601.7								601.7			601.7
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Wholly owned qualified subsidiaries for leasing railcars from the Trusts
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Period of railcars leased from the Trusts under operating leases (in years)									22 years
First year to exercise the option to purchase at a predetermined fixed price certain of the railcars from the Trusts									2016
Second year to exercise the option to purchase at a predetermined fixed price certain of the railcars from the Trusts									2019
First year to exercise the option to purchase railcars at the end of the respective lease agreements									2023
Second year to exercise the option to purchase railcars at the end of the respective lease agreements									2026
Third year to exercise the option to purchase railcars at the end of the respective lease agreements									2027
Assets	195.5								195.5			195.5
Cash	71.1								71.1			71.1
Railcars	83.7								83.7			83.7
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Recourse | Capital lease obligations
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Capital lease obligations													56.6
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Minimum
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Term of leases with third parties (in years)									1 year
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Maximum
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Term of leases with third parties (in years)									20 years
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Railcars owned one year or less at the time of sale
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Revenues									486.3	58.5	118.6
Element
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale leased railcars									882.7			987.7
Element | Rail Group
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Revenues									200.4
Element | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Railcars owned one year or less at the time of sale
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group (Textual) [Abstract]
Revenues									446.6
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year at the time of sale									$235.70

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Interest rate hedges included in balance sheet
AOCL – loss/ (income)	$6.60		$18.70	$34.80	$46.20
Designated as hedging instrument | Expired hedges | 2006 secured railcar equipment notes
Interest rate hedges included in balance sheet
Notional Amount	200
Interest Rate	4.87%	[1]
Liability	0
AOCL – loss/ (income)	-1.3
Noncontrolling Interest	0
Designated as hedging instrument | Expired hedges | Promissory notes
Interest rate hedges included in balance sheet
Notional Amount	370
Interest Rate	5.34%	[1]
Liability	0
AOCL – loss/ (income)	1.2
Noncontrolling Interest	0
Designated as hedging instrument | Expired hedges | TRIP Holdings warehouse loan
Interest rate hedges included in balance sheet
Notional Amount	788.5
Interest Rate	3.60%	[1]
Liability	0
AOCL – loss/ (income)	10
Noncontrolling Interest	13.6
Designated as hedging instrument | Open hedges | Promissory notes
Interest rate hedges included in balance sheet
Notional Amount	387.6
Interest Rate	4.13%	[1]
Liability	6.4
AOCL – loss/ (income)	5.3
Noncontrolling Interest	0
Designated as hedging instrument | Open hedges | TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes
Interest rate hedges included in balance sheet
Notional Amount	56.3					94.1
Interest Rate	2.62%	[1]
Liability	2
AOCL – loss/ (income)	0.8
Noncontrolling Interest	$1.10
[1]	Weighted average fixed interest rate

Derivative_Instruments_Details1

Derivative Instruments (Details 1) (Designated as hedging instrument, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Expired hedges | TRIP Holdings warehouse loan
Effect on interest expense-increase/(decrease)
Expected effect during next twelve months	$4.90
Interest expense | Expired hedges | 2006 secured railcar equipment notes
Effect on interest expense-increase/(decrease)
Effect on interest expense	-0.3		-0.3	-0.3
Expected effect during next twelve months	-0.3	[1]
Interest expense | Expired hedges | Promissory notes
Effect on interest expense-increase/(decrease)
Effect on interest expense	2.9		3.1	3.3
Expected effect during next twelve months	1.2	[1]
Interest expense | Expired hedges | TRIP Holdings warehouse loan
Effect on interest expense-increase/(decrease)
Effect on interest expense	5.1		6.1	6
Expected effect during next twelve months	4.9	[1]
Interest expense | Open hedges | Promissory notes
Effect on interest expense-increase/(decrease)
Effect on interest expense	15.4		15.8	18.4
Expected effect during next twelve months	6.4	[1]
Interest expense | Open hedges | TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes
Effect on interest expense-increase/(decrease)
Effect on interest expense	1.5		1.8	2
Expected effect during next twelve months	$1.20	[1]
[1]	Based on the fair value of open hedges as of December 31, 2014

Derivative_Instruments_Details2

Derivative Instruments (Details 2) (Designated as hedging instrument, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fuel hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Effect on operating income - increase/(decrease)	($2.30)	[1]	$0	[1]	$0.40	[1]
Foreign exchange hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Effect on operating income - increase/(decrease)	$0	[2]	$0	[2]	($0.40)	[2]
[1]	Included in cost of revenues in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations
[2]	Included in other, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations

Derivative_Instruments_Details3

Derivative Instruments (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Remaining AOCL balance of foreign exchange hedges with quarterly maturities	$6.60		$18.70	$34.80	$46.20
Designated as hedging instrument | Expired hedges | 2006 secured railcar equipment notes
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Notional amount	200
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges which is being amortized to income (loss)	4.5
Remaining AOCL balance of foreign exchange hedges with quarterly maturities	-1.3
Designated as hedging instrument | Expired hedges | Promissory notes
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Notional amount	370
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges which is being amortized to income (loss)	-24.5
Remaining AOCL balance of foreign exchange hedges with quarterly maturities	1.2
Designated as hedging instrument | Expired hedges | TRIP Holdings warehouse loan
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Notional amount	788.5
Expected effect during next twelve months	4.9
Remaining AOCL balance of foreign exchange hedges with quarterly maturities	10
Designated as hedging instrument | Open hedges | Promissory notes
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Notional amount	387.6
Remaining AOCL balance of foreign exchange hedges with quarterly maturities	5.3
Designated as hedging instrument | Open hedges | TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Notional amount	56.3					94.1
Remaining AOCL balance of foreign exchange hedges with quarterly maturities	0.8
Designated as hedging instrument | Fuel hedges
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2.1	[1]
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign exchange hedges
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Remaining AOCL balance of foreign exchange hedges with quarterly maturities	$0
[1]	Included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Components of property, plant, and equipment
Less: accumulated depreciation	($1,683.10)	($1,505.20)
Property, plant, and equipment, net before adjustment to net deferred profit	5,460.10	5,320.30
Net deferred profit on railcars sold to the Leasing Group	-557.2	-549.7
Property, plant, and equipment, net	4,902.90	4,770.60
Partially-owned subsidiaries
Components of property, plant, and equipment
Less: accumulated depreciation	-261.3	-202.1
Manufacturing/ Corporate
Components of property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	1,681.70	1,418.90
Less: accumulated depreciation	-820.7	-748.3
Property, plant, and equipment, net before adjustment to net deferred profit	861	670.6
Leasing Group
Components of property, plant, and equipment
Net deferred profit on railcars sold to the Leasing Group	-557.2	-549.7
Leasing Group | Wholly-owned subsidiaries
Components of property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	3,200.30	3,519.40
Less: accumulated depreciation	-601.1	-554.8
Property, plant, and equipment, net before adjustment to net deferred profit	2,599.20	2,964.60
Leasing Group | Partially-owned subsidiaries
Components of property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, net before adjustment to net deferred profit	1,999.90	1,685.10
Land | Manufacturing/ Corporate
Components of property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	81.4	44.2
Buildings and improvements | Manufacturing/ Corporate
Components of property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	548.2	463.2
Machinery and other | Manufacturing/ Corporate
Components of property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	975.7	832.5
Machinery and other | Leasing Group | Wholly-owned subsidiaries
Components of property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	10.7	10.3
Construction in progress | Manufacturing/ Corporate
Components of property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	76.4	79
Equipment on lease | Leasing Group | Wholly-owned subsidiaries
Components of property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	3,189.60	3,509.10
Equipment on lease | Leasing Group | Partially-owned subsidiaries
Components of property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	2,261.20	1,887.20
Less: accumulated depreciation	($261.30)	($202.10)

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D1

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Future minimum rent expense on non-Leasing Group leases
Net book value of non-operating plants	$18.40
Non-Leasing Group
Future minimum rent expense on non-Leasing Group leases
2015	7
2016	5
2017	3.5
2018	2.1
2019	1
Thereafter	$0.80

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill by Segment
Goodwill	$773.20	$278.20
Goodwill impairment charges	0	0
Rail Group
Goodwill by Segment
Goodwill	134.6	134.6
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	325	325
Construction Products Group
Goodwill by Segment
Goodwill	128.3	126.9
Energy Equipment Group
Goodwill by Segment
Goodwill	508.5	14.9
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group
Goodwill by Segment
Goodwill	$1.80	$1.80

Warranties_Details

Warranties (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in the accruals for warranties
Beginning balance	$14.70	$12.50	$13.50
Warranty costs incurred	-6.1	-5.9	-5.9
Warranty originations and revisions	12.6	11.9	7.7
Warranty expirations	-3.4	-3.8	-2.8
Ending balance	$17.80	$14.70	$12.50

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2009
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Components of debt
Unamortized discount	$60	$74.10
Total debt	3,553	2,989.80
Notes payable	1,207.80	1,314.70
Carrying Value
Components of debt
Total debt	3,553	2,989.80
Recourse
Components of debt
Unamortized discount	60	74.1
Total debt	829.3	419
Recourse | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Total debt	829.3	419
Recourse | Capital lease obligations
Components of debt
Capital lease obligations			56.6
Non-recourse
Components of debt
Total debt	2,723.70	2,570.80
Corporate | Recourse | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Other	0.7	0.9
Total debt	790.2	376.8
Corporate | Recourse | Revolving credit facility | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Revolving credit facility	0	0
Corporate | Recourse | Senior notes | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Senior notes, net of unamortized discount of $0.4 and $-	399.6	0
Unamortized discount	0.4	0
Corporate | Recourse | Convertible subordinated notes | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Convertible subordinated notes, net of unamortized discount of $59.6 and $74.1	389.9	375.9
Unamortized discount	59.6	74.1
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Wholly-owned subsidiaries
Components of debt
Total debt	1,246.90	1,356.90
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Partially-owned subsidiaries
Components of debt
Total debt	1,515.90	1,256.10
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Recourse | Capital lease obligations
Components of debt
Capital lease obligations			56.6
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Recourse | Capital lease obligations | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Capital lease obligations	39.1	42.2
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Recourse | Wholly-owned subsidiaries
Components of debt
Unamortized discount	0	0
Total debt	39.1	42.2
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Recourse | Partially-owned subsidiaries
Components of debt
Unamortized discount	0	0
Total debt	0	0
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Total debt	2,723.70	2,570.80
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | Wholly-owned subsidiaries
Components of debt
Total debt	1,207.80	1,314.70
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Total debt	1,207.80	1,314.70
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | 2006 secured railcar equipment notes | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Notes payable	223	240.7
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | Promissory notes | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Notes payable	363.9	396.1
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | 2009 secured railcar equipment notes | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Notes payable	188.8	199
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | 2010 secured railcar equipment notes | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Notes payable	311.5	326.9
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | Wholly-owned subsidiaries | TILC warehouse facility | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Revolving credit facility	120.6	152
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | Partially-owned subsidiaries
Components of debt
Total debt	1,515.90	1,256.10
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Notes payable	1,515.90	1,256.10
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | Partially-owned subsidiaries | TRL 2012 secured railcar equipment notes (RIV 2013) | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Notes payable	472.2	499.3
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | Partially-owned subsidiaries | TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes | Carrying Value
Components of debt
Notes payable	$1,043.70	$756.80

Debt_Details_1

Debt (Details 1) (Corporate, Recourse, Convertible subordinated notes, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Corporate | Recourse | Convertible subordinated notes
Total interest expense recognized on the Convertible Subordinated Notes
Coupon rate interest	$17.40	$17.40	$17.40
Amortized debt discount	14.5	13.4	12.3
Total interest expense recognized on the Convertible Subordinated Notes	$31.90	$30.80	$29.70

Debt_Details_2

Debt (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements
2015	$183.10
2016	526.3
2017	100.1
2018	135.4
2019	119.1
Thereafter	2,549
Recourse | Corporate
Remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements
2015	0.2
2016	0.2
2017	0.3
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	849.5
Recourse | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Capital lease obligations
Remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements
2015	3.2
2016	3.5
2017	3.7
2018	28.7
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Non-recourse | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | 2006 secured railcar equipment notes
Remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements
2015	18.5
2016	21.8
2017	24
2018	25.3
2019	28
Thereafter	105.4
Non-recourse | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Promissory notes
Remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements
2015	25.5
2016	338.4
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Non-recourse | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | 2009 secured railcar equipment notes
Remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements
2015	9.6
2016	6.5
2017	6.3
2018	6.5
2019	11.2
Thereafter	148.7
Non-recourse | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | 2010 secured railcar equipment notes
Remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements
2015	15.3
2016	14.9
2017	13.7
2018	10
2019	7.6
Thereafter	250
Non-recourse | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | TILC warehouse facility
Remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements
2015	4
2016	3.6
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Non-recourse | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | TRL 2012 secured railcar equipment notes (RIV 2013)
Remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements
2015	23.2
2016	22.3
2017	22.9
2018	23.1
2019	22.2
Thereafter	358.5
Non-recourse | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes
Remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements
2015	45.9
2016	39.8
2017	29.2
2018	41.8
2019	50.1
Thereafter	836.9
Non-recourse | Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Facility termination payments - TILC warehouse facility
Remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements
2015	37.7
2016	75.3
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	$0

Debt_Details_Textual

Debt (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	31-May-08	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2009	31-May-06	Nov. 30, 2009	Oct. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Notes payable	$1,207.80		$1,314.70
Recourse | Capital lease obligations
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Capital lease obligations				56.6
Non-recourse | 2006 secured railcar equipment notes | Trinity Rail Leasing V
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity date	14-May-36
Face value of debt instrument					355
Interest rate on notes	5.90%
Notes payable	223
Non-recourse | Promissory notes | Trinity Rail Leasing VI
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Face value of debt instrument		572.2
Notes payable	363.9
Term of debt instrument		30 years
Rate at which LIBOR portion of debt is fixed due to issuance of interest rate swap	4.13%
Number of initial years of fixed interest rate due to swaps	7 years
Rate increase on each of seventh and eighth anniversary dates of issuance	0.50%
Rate increase on tenth anniversary date of issuance	2.00%
Non-recourse | Promissory notes | Trinity Rail Leasing VI | Libor
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage points added to base rate to compute interest rates on the credit facility	1.50%
Non-recourse | 2009 secured railcar equipment notes | Trinity Rail Leasing VII
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity date	16-Nov-39
Face value of debt instrument						238.3
Interest rate on notes	6.66%
Notes payable	188.8
Non-recourse | 2010 secured railcar equipment notes | Trinity Rail Leasing 2010
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity date	16-Oct-40
Face value of debt instrument							369.2
Interest rate on notes	5.19%
Notes payable	311.5
Non-recourse | TRIP Holdings senior secured notes | TRIP Holdings
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Face value of debt instrument								175
Non-recourse | TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes | TRIP Master Funding
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Face value of debt instrument								857
Maturity date	Jul-41
Number of classes of notes	3
Non-recourse | TRIP Master Funding Secured Railcar Equipment Class A-1a Notes | TRIP Master Funding
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate on notes	4.37%
Notes payable	130.8
Non-recourse | TRIP Master Funding Secured Railcar Equipment Class A-1b Notes | TRIP Master Funding
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Notes payable	73.9
Non-recourse | TRIP Master Funding Secured Railcar Equipment Class A-1b Notes | TRIP Master Funding | Libor
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage points added to base rate to compute interest rates on the credit facility	2.50%
Non-recourse | TRIP Master Funding Secured Railcar Equipment Class A-2 Notes | TRIP Master Funding
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate on notes	6.02%
Notes payable	509.6
Non-recourse | Series 2012-1 Class A-1 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes | Trinity Rail Leasing 2012
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity date	15-Jan-43
Face value of debt instrument	145.4
Interest rate on notes	2.27%
Notes payable	111.5
Non-recourse | Series 2012-1 Class A-2 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes | Trinity Rail Leasing 2012
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity date	15-Jan-43
Face value of debt instrument	188.4
Interest rate on notes	3.53%
Notes payable	188.4
Non-recourse | Series 2013-1 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes | Trinity Rail Leasing 2012
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity date	15-Jul-43
Face value of debt instrument									183.4
Interest rate on notes	3.90%
Notes payable	172.3
Corporate | Recourse | Revolving credit facility
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Revolving credit facility	425
Maturity date of credit facility	20-Oct-16
Used revolving credit facility for letters of credit	88.6
Availability of the revolving credit facility	336.4
Borrowing under revolving credit facility exclusive of letters of credit	0
Letter of credit expiring in current year	88.5
Corporate | Recourse | Revolving credit facility | Carrying Value
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Revolving credit facility	0		0
Corporate | Recourse | Revolving credit facility | Libor
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage points added to base rate to compute interest rates on the credit facility	1.50%
Corporate | Recourse | Revolving credit facility | Prime
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage points added to base rate to compute interest rates on the credit facility	0.50%
Corporate | Recourse | Convertible subordinated notes
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Convertible Subordinated Notes face amount	450
Maturity date	1-Jun-36
Redemption value Convertible Subordinated Notes if redeemed in cash	at 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest (including any contingent interest) up to, but excluding, the redemption date
Percentage of principal amount used in cash redemption value computation	100.00%
Capital in excess of par value related to the convertible subordinated notes' conversion options	92.5		92.8
Date through which debt discount is being amortized	1-Jun-18
Effective annual interest rate yield based upon the estimated market interest rate	8.42%
Percentage of conversion price at which Convertible Subordinates Notes are convertible	130.00%
Conversion price of Convertible Subordinated Notes (in dollars per share)	$25.22
Interest rate on notes	3.88%
Corporate | Recourse | Convertible subordinated notes | Carrying Value
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Convertible Subordinated Notes face amount	449.5		450
Corporate | Recourse | Senior notes
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Face value of debt instrument	400
Interest rate on notes	4.55%
Maturity date	Oct-24
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Partially-owned subsidiaries
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Ownership percentage in partially-owned subsidiaries	39.00%
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Recourse | Capital lease obligations
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Capital lease obligations				56.6
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Recourse | Capital lease obligations | Carrying Value
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Capital lease obligations	39.1		42.2
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Carrying Value
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Notes payable	1,515.90		1,256.10
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | TILC warehouse facility | TILC
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Revolving credit facility	475
Availability of the revolving credit facility	334.6
Effective annual interest rate yield based upon the estimated market interest rate	1.94%
Maturity date	Jun-15
Revolving credit facility	120.6
Revolving credit facility, unused portion of maximum borrowing capacity	354.4
Number of installments payable for amounts outstanding at maturity, absent renewal	3
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | TILC warehouse facility | TILC | First installment
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Installment payable date	Dec-15
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | TILC warehouse facility | TILC | Second Installment
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Installment payable date	Jun-16
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | TILC warehouse facility | TILC | Third installment
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Installment payable date	Dec-16
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | TRIP Master Funding secured railcar equipment notes | Partially-owned subsidiaries | Carrying Value
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Notes payable	1,043.70		756.8
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | TRIP Master Funding Series 2014-1 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes | TRIP Master Funding
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Face value of debt instrument	335.7
Maturity date	Apr-44
Number of classes of notes	2
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | TRIP Master Funding Series 2014-1 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes Class A-1 | TRIP Master Funding
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate on notes	2.86%
Notes payable	108.7
Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group | Non-recourse | TRIP Master Funding Series 2014-1 Secured Railcar Equipment Notes Class A-2 | TRIP Master Funding
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate on notes	4.09%
Notes payable	$220.70

Other_Net_Details

Other, Net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other, net (income) expense
Foreign currency exchange transactions	($1.20)	$0.30	($2.30)
Gain on equity investments	-0.8	-0.3	-0.4
Other	-2.6	-2.8	-1.6
Other, net	-4.6	-2.8	-4.3
Income (expense) related to the change in fair value of certain equity repurchase agreements		$1.70	$0.30

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	$322.70	$141.80	($5.70)
State	19.4	13.7	7
Foreign	18.5	3.1	6.4
Total current	360.6	158.6	7.7
Deferred:
Federal	-4	44.3	126.6
State	1.2	2.3	3.2
Foreign	-3	-0.8	-3.5
Total deferred	-5.8	45.8	126.3
Provision	$354.80	$204.40	$134

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation between the statutory United States Federal income tax rate and the Company's effective income tax rate
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes	1.40%	2.10%	2.00%
Domestic production activities deduction	-2.00%	-1.40%	0.00%
Noncontrolling interest in partially-owned subsidiaries	-1.10%	-0.90%	0.00%
Tax assessments and settlements	0.00%	0.00%	-0.60%
Changes in valuation allowances and reserves	0.10%	-0.80%	-1.40%
Other, net	-0.10%	0.60%	-0.30%
Effective rate	33.30%	34.60%	34.70%

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	$627.10	$668.90
Accrued liabilities and other	97.6	48.3
Convertible debt	114.8	105.4
Total deferred tax liabilities	839.5	822.6
Deferred tax assets:
Workers compensation, pensions, and other benefits	68.6	61.3
Warranties and reserves	12.3	13.8
Equity items	53.3	33.4
Tax loss carryforwards and credits	25.1	27.5
Inventory	29.2	18.8
Total deferred tax assets	188.5	154.8
Net deferred tax liabilities before valuation allowances	651	667.8
Valuation allowances	9.6	10.2
Net deferred tax liabilities before reserve for uncertain tax positions	660.6	678
Deferred tax assets included in reserve for uncertain tax positions	-45.6	-38.6
Adjusted net deferred tax liabilities	$615	$639.40

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in unrecognized tax benefits
Beginning balance	$55	$48.70	$52.50
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	5	4.8	4.1
Additions for tax positions of prior years	2.5	2.8	0
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-0.1	0	-1.1
Settlements	0	-0.3	-3.4
Expiration of statute of limitations	-0.1	-1	-3.4
Ending balance	$62.30	$55	$48.70

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes for U.S. operations	$1,051.40	$571.20	$376.30
Income from continuing operations before income taxes for foreign operations	12.6	19.3	9.6
Tax benefit from reversal of valuation allowance on foreign tax credits		6.4
Adjustment to net deferred tax liability for state tax filing responsibilities		5.1
Tax benefit from final audit settlement with IRS			3.5
Tax benefit recognized on release of net state tax reserves			4.4
Additions for tax positions of prior years	2.5	2.8	0
Reduction in tax positions of prior years	0.1	0	1.1
Unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties that would affect the Company's effective tax rate if recognized	15	13.8
Total accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	11.6	10.8
Increase (decrease) in income tax expense related to interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	0.8	0.5	-3
Lapse in Statute of Limitations
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Reasonably possible decrease to unrecognized tax benefits within twelve months	0.1
Swiss subsidiary
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Number of subsidiaries	2
General period of statute of limitations in Switzerland	5 years
Extended period of statute of limitations in Switzerland	15 years
U.S. Federal
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	33.5
State and local
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$3.60

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta

Employee Retirement Plans (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the annual measurement date were:
Obligation discount rate	4.33%	5.22%	4.25%
Compensation increase rate	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs were:
Obligation discount rate	5.22%	4.25%	5.40%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.75%	7.75%	7.75%
Compensation increase rate	4.00%	4.00%	3.00%

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta1

Employee Retirement Plans (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Expense Components
Service cost	$0.50	$1.10	$0.90
Interest	20.2	18.5	19.4
Expected return on plan assets	-31	-26.6	-22.9
Amortization of actuarial loss	2.1	4.9	3.2
Prior service cost	0	0.1	0.1
Defined benefit expense	-8.2	-2	0.7
Profit sharing	17.4	12.3	11.9
Multiemployer plan	0.8	0	0
Net expense	$10	$10.30	$12.60

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta2

Employee Retirement Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Obligations and Funded Status
Accumulated Benefit Obligations	$473.80	$392.10
Projected Benefit Obligations:
Beginning of year	392.1	442.5
Service cost	0.5	1.1	0.9
Interest	20.2	18.5	19.4
Benefits paid	-16.4	-15.8
Actuarial (gain)/loss	77.6	-54.2
Curtailment	-0.1	0
End of year	473.9	392.1	442.5
Plans' Assets:
Beginning of year	399.2	340.1
Actual return on assets	36.7	56
Employer contributions	15	18.9
Benefits paid	-16.4	-15.8
End of year	434.5	399.2	340.1
Consolidated Balance Sheet Components:
Net funded status	-39.4	7.1
Percent of projected benefit obligations funded	91.70%	101.80%
Other assets
Consolidated Balance Sheet Components:
Net funded status	1.2	17.8
Accrued liabilities
Consolidated Balance Sheet Components:
Net funded status	($40.40)	($10.70)

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta3

Employee Retirement Plans (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Actuarial gain (loss)	($71.90)	$83.70	($48.10)
Amortization of actuarial loss	2.1	4.9	3.2
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0.1	0.1
Curtailment	0.1	0	0
Total before income taxes	-69.7	88.7	-44.8
Income tax expense (benefit)	-25.9	32.9	-16.7
Net amount recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	($43.80)	$55.80	($28.10)

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta4

Employee Retirement Plans (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	100.00%
Fair Value Measurement	434.5	$399.20	$340.10
Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	4.8	7
Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	429.7	392.2
Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	1.00%
Liability hedging portfolio
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	50.00%
Actual Allocation	47.00%
Growth portfolio
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	50.00%
Actual Allocation	52.00%
Temporary cash investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	4.8	7
Temporary cash investments | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	4.8	7
Temporary cash investments | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	0	0
Temporary cash investments | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	0	0
Debt common trust funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	275	101.3
Debt common trust funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	0	0
Debt common trust funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	275	101.3
Debt common trust funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	0	0
Equity common trust funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	154.7	290.9
Equity common trust funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	0	0
Equity common trust funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	154.7	290.9
Equity common trust funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement	0	$0

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta5

Employee Retirement Plans (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
PPA Zone Status	Yellow	Yellow
Financial improvement plan status	Implemented
Multiemployer plan contributions	$0.60	$0	$0
Surcharge imposed	No
Expiration date of collective bargaining agreement	3-Jul-16

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta6

Employee Retirement Plans (Details 6) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Benefit payments expected to be paid in future
2015	$18.50
2016	19.8
2017	20.9
2018	22
2019	24
2020-2024	$133.70

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta7

Employee Retirement Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Benefit Plans Disclosures [Line Items]
Plan assets expected to be returned	$0
Prior service cost included in AOCL	100,000
Prior service cost included in AOCL, net of tax	100,000
Unrecognized actuarial losses included in AOCL	138,100,000
Unrecognized actuarial losses included in AOCL, net of tax	86,900,000
Actuarial loss expected to be recognized in net periodic pension cost within twelve months	5,200,000
Actuarial loss expected to be recognized in net periodic pension cost within twelve months, net of tax	3,300,000
Expected employer contributions to defined benefit plans next year	19,700,000
Actual employer contributions to defined benefit plans	15,000,000	18,900,000
Expected employer contributions to 401(k) plans and Supplemental Profit Sharing Plan next year	16,100,000
Actual employer contributions to 401(k) plans and Supplemental Profit Sharing Plan	14,000,000
Multiemployer plan, expected contributions in following year	2,700,000
Multiemployer plan contributions	$600,000	$0	$0
Minimum
Schedule of Benefit Plans Disclosures [Line Items]
Company contributions to the Profit Sharing Plan as a percentage of eligible compensation based on service	1.00%
Maximum
Schedule of Benefit Plans Disclosures [Line Items]
Company contributions to the Profit Sharing Plan as a percentage of eligible compensation based on service	3.00%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Currency translation adjustments, Beginning Balance	($16.50)	($16.50)	($17.10)
Currency translation adjustments, Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, before reclassifications	-2	0	0
Currency translation adjustments, Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	0	0	0.6
Currency translation adjustments, Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax benefit	0	0	0.4
Currency translation adjustments, Less: noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Currency translation adjustments, Other comprehensive income (loss)	-2	0	0.6
Currency translation adjustments, Ending Balance	-18.5	-16.5	-16.5
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, Beginning Balance	-18.7	-34.8	-46.2
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, before reclassifications	-1.2	0.8	7.2
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	16	18.1	5.8
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax benefit	8.4	8.7	3.2
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, Less: noncontrolling interest	-3	-4.2	-1.6
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, Other comprehensive income (loss)	11.8	14.7	11.4
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, Sale of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiaries	0.3	13.2
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, Repurchase of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiary		-11.8
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, Ending Balance	-6.6	-18.7	-34.8
Net actuarial gains/(losses) of defined benefit plans, Beginning Balance	-43	-98.8	-70.7
Net actuarial gains/(losses) of defined benefit plans, Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, before reclassifications	-45.1	52.7	-30.3
Net actuarial gains/(losses) of defined benefit plans, Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	1.3	3.1	2.2
Net actuarial gains/(losses) of defined benefit plans, Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax benefit	0.8	1.9	1.1
Net actuarial gains/(losses) of defined benefit plans, Less: noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Net actuarial gains/(losses) of defined benefit plans, Other comprehensive income (loss)	-43.8	55.8	-28.1
Net actuarial gains/(losses) of defined benefit plans, Ending Balance	-86.8	-43	-98.8
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Beginning Balance	-78.2	-150.1	-134
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, before reclassifications	-48.3	53.5	-23.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	17.3	21.2	8.6
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax benefit	9.2	10.6	4.7
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Less: noncontrolling interest	-3	-4.2	-1.6
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Other comprehensive income (loss)	-34	70.5	-16.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Ending Balance	-111.9	-78.2	-150.1
Statement [Line Items]
Before-tax reclassification of net actuarial gains/(losses) of defined benefit plans included in cost of revenues	-2.1	-4.9	-3.2
Cost of revenues
Statement [Line Items]
Before-tax reclassification of net actuarial gains/(losses) of defined benefit plans included in cost of revenues	$1.70	$4	$2.70

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (Stock options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Number of Shares, Options outstanding, Beginning of period (in shares)	162,404
Number of Shares, Granted (in shares)	0
Number of Shares, Exercised (in shares)	-67,111
Number of Shares, Cancelled (in shares)	0
Number of Shares, Options outstanding, End of period (in shares)	95,293	162,404
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$8.90
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted (in dollars per share)	$0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised (in dollars per share)	$8.95
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of period (in dollars per share)	$8.86	$8.90
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms, Options outstanding (in years)	3 years 1 month 3 days	3 years 3 months 10 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options outstanding	$1.80	$3

StockBased_Compensation_Detail1

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 1) (Restricted share awards, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted share awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of Restricted Share Awards, Restricted share awards outstanding, Beginning balance (in shares)	7,810,104
Number of Restricted Share Awards, Granted (in shares)	2,364,839
Number of Restricted Share Awards, Vested (in shares)	-2,625,396
Number of Restricted Share Awards, Forfeited (in shares)	-136,578
Number of Restricted Share Awards, Restricted share awards outstanding, Ending balance (in shares)	7,412,969	7,810,104
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Award, Restricted share awards outstanding, Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$16.50
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Award, Granted (in dollars per share)	$32.35	$20.76	$14.72
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Award, Vested (in dollars per share)	$16.09
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Award, Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$22.05
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Award, Restricted share awards outstanding, Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$21.60	$16.50

StockBased_Compensation_Detail2

Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Shares of common stock provided for awarding by the Plan (in shares)	15,200,000
Number of shares available for issuance (in shares)	2,607,425
Stock-based compensation expense	$53.30	$44.50	$28.30
Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense	40.1	15.6	6.4
Stock options
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Contractual term of award	10 years
Award vesting period (in years)	5 years
Unrecognized compensation expense	0
Intrinsic value of options exercised	1.8	4.4	6.6
Stock options | Maximum
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Contractual term of award	10 years
Award vesting period (in years)	5 years
Restricted share awards
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options nonvested
Unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted share awards	104.8
Weighted average recognition period	4 years
Vesting-date fair value of shares vested and released	$105.20	$29.90	$16.90
Weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted share awards granted (in dollars per share)	$32.35	$20.76	$14.72
Restricted stock
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Vesting condition - age (in years)	65 years
Vesting condition - age plus years of vested service (in years)	80 years
Restricted stock | Minimum
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Award vesting period (in years)	1 year
Restricted stock | Maximum
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Award vesting period (in years)	15 years
Performance units
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Award vesting period (in years)	3 years
Performance units | Minimum
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of target grant potentially issuable depending on achievement of certain specified goals	0.00%
Performance units | Maximum
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of target grant potentially issuable depending on achievement of certain specified goals	200.00%

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Deta

Earnings Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Income Per Common Share (Textual) [Abstract]
Total weighted average restricted shares and antidilutive stock options (in shares)									7.4	7	6.1
Computation of basic and diluted net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc
Net income from continuing operations	$146.40	$156.30	$173.30	$233.30	$118.90	$105.80	$89.20	$72.20	$709.30	$386.10	$251.90
Less: net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interest									31.1	16.9	-1.5
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.									678.2	369.2	253.4
Unvested restricted share participation									-22.1	-12	-7.7
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. - basic, Income (Loss)									656.1	357.2	245.7
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. - basic, Average Shares									151	152.8	154.7
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. - basic, EPS (in dollars per share)	$0.89	$0.95	$1.05	$1.46	$0.72	$0.63	$0.53	$0.46	$4.35	$2.34	$1.59
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options, Income (Loss)									0	0	0
Stock options, Average Shares									0.1	0.1	0.4
Convertible subordinated notes, Income (Loss)									0.7	0	0
Convertible subordinated notes, Average Shares									5.6	0	0
Discontinued operations, Convertible subordinated notes, Income (Loss)									0	0	0
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. - diluted, Income (Loss)									656.8	357.2	245.7
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. - diluted, Average Shares									156.7	152.9	155.1
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc. - diluted, EPS (in dollars per share)	$0.86	$0.90	$1.01	$1.42	$0.72	$0.63	$0.53	$0.46	$4.19	$2.34	$1.58
Discontinued operations, net of tax	-0.1	0.6	-0.2	-0.3	0.4	0.3	-1	6.6	0	6.3	1.8
Unvested restricted share participation									0	-0.2	-0.1
Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes - basic, Income (Loss)									0	6.1	1.7
Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes - basic, EPS (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)	$0.04	$0	$0.04	$0.01
Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes - diluted, Income (Loss)									$0	$6.10	$1.70
Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes - diluted, EPS (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)	$0.04	$0	$0.04	$0.01

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 06, 2015	Jan. 27, 2015
												crash_tests	state
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Minimum possible loss	$3,900,000								$3,900,000
Maximum possible loss	29,300,000								29,300,000
Revenues	1,661,400,000	1,562,800,000	1,485,300,000	1,460,500,000	1,256,000,000	1,110,300,000	1,066,100,000	932,900,000	6,170,000,000	4,365,300,000	3,811,900,000
Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities	962,900,000				578,200,000				962,900,000	578,200,000
Available liquidity when combined with capacity under committed credit facilities	1,600,000,000								1,600,000,000
Total accrual	27,500,000								27,500,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Non-cancelable purchase obligations	1,400,000,000								1,400,000,000
Raw Materials and Components | Rail, Inland Barge, and Energy Equipment Groups
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Non-cancelable purchase obligations	1,200,000,000								1,200,000,000
Highway products litigation
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Potential amount of supersedeas bond required in excess of final judgment									20.00%
Number of additional crash tests requested	8								8
Number of class action lawsuits									2
Highway products litigation | Subsequent event
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of additional crash tests requested, passed to date												4
Number of states that have removed product from qualified products list													42
Highway products litigation | ET Plus
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Revenues									35,100,000	46,000,000
Highway products litigation | Joshua Harman, False Claims Act
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Damages awarded by jury verdict									175,000,000
Damages awarded by jury verdict, automatically trebled under the Act									525,000,000
Minimum possible loss	525,000,000								525,000,000
Maximum possible loss	709,000,000								709,000,000
Total accrual	0								0
Highway products litigation | Joshua Harman, False Claims Act | Minimum
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Civil penalties per violation, at the discretion of the District Court									5,500
Civil penalties, at the discretion of the District Court									5,500
Highway products litigation | Joshua Harman, False Claims Act | Maximum
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Civil penalties per violation, at the discretion of the District Court									11,000
Civil penalties, at the discretion of the District Court									184,000,000
Highway products litigation | Class Action, Illinois
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of counties claimed as parties to class action suit									101
Highway products litigation | Class action, Canada
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Compensatory damages sought									400,000,000
Punitive damages sought									100,000,000
Train derailment
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of tank cars owned by the Company and leased to third party (in railcars)									13
Number of tank cars manufactured by the Company (in railcars)									35
Number of tank cars involved in derailment (in railcars)									72
Total accrual	11,400,000								11,400,000
Expected third-party recoveries	10,200,000								10,200,000
Environmental and workplace matters
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Total accrual	$6,100,000								$6,100,000

Financial_Statements_for_Guara2

Financial Statements for Guarantors of the Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$1,661.40	$1,562.80	$1,485.30	$1,460.50	$1,256	$1,110.30	$1,066.10	$932.90	$6,170	$4,365.30	$3,811.90
Cost of revenues	1,275.30	1,172.20	1,098.30	1,074	962.7	836.3	812.2	711.1	4,619.80	3,322.30	3,051.50
Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	110.6	113	96.4	83.6	80.2	70.6	71.5	69	403.6	291.3	224.1
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	1	3.6	11.4	88.4	11.3	2.2	1	6.7	104.4	21.2	38.5
Cost of revenues and operating costs									4,919	3,592.40	3,237.10
Operating Profit (Loss)	276.5	281.2	302	391.3	224.4	205.6	183.4	159.5	1,251	772.9	574.8
Other (income) expense									186.9	182.4	188.9
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes									0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									1,064.10	590.5	385.9
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									354.8	204.4	134
Income (loss) from continuing operations	146.4	156.3	173.3	233.3	118.9	105.8	89.2	72.2	709.3	386.1	251.9
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes	-0.1	0.6	-0.2	-0.3	0.4	0.3	-1	6.6	0	6.3	1.8
Net income (loss)	146.3	156.9	173.1	233	119.3	106.1	88.2	78.8	709.3	392.4	253.7
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									31.1	16.9	-1.5
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	138.2	149.4	164.2	226.4	112.8	99.6	84	79.1	678.2	375.5	255.2
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-31	74.7	-14.5
Comprehensive income									678.3	467.1	239.2
Parent
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									0	0	0
Cost of revenues									0	0	0
Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses									115.6	72.8	50.4
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property, plant, and equipment									-1.4	0.3	0.4
Cost of revenues and operating costs									117	72.5	50
Operating Profit (Loss)									-117	-72.5	-50
Other (income) expense									-60.3	-71.5	-56.5
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes									740.2	378.3	246.6
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									683.5	377.3	253.1
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									5.3	1.8	-2.1
Income (loss) from continuing operations									678.2	375.5	255.2
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									678.2	375.5	255.2
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest									678.2	375.5	255.2
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-32.2	47.7	-20.1
Comprehensive income									646	423.2	235.1
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									4,725.40	3,257.80	2,791.50
Cost of revenues									3,705.30	2,636.30	2,385.30
Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses									151.5	128.9	111.4
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property, plant, and equipment									41.4	10.9	9.4
Cost of revenues and operating costs									3,815.40	2,754.30	2,487.30
Operating Profit (Loss)									910	503.5	304.2
Other (income) expense									86.3	61.2	49
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes									228.9	97.1	88.2
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									1,052.60	539.4	343.4
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									325.4	167	117.1
Income (loss) from continuing operations									727.2	372.4	226.3
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes									-0.1	6.3	1.4
Net income (loss)									727.1	378.7	227.7
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest									727.1	378.7	227.7
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-10	9.9	-6.1
Comprehensive income									717.1	388.6	221.6
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									2,294.20	1,758.20	1,429
Cost of revenues									1,770.20	1,341.90	1,087.90
Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses									136.5	90.3	62.3
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property, plant, and equipment									64.4	10	28.7
Cost of revenues and operating costs									1,842.30	1,422.20	1,121.50
Operating Profit (Loss)									451.9	336	307.5
Other (income) expense									160.9	192.7	196.4
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes									0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									291	143.3	111.1
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									26.1	33.5	14.3
Income (loss) from continuing operations									264.9	109.8	96.8
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes									0.1	0	0.4
Net income (loss)									265	109.8	97.2
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest									265	109.8	97.2
Other comprehensive income (loss)									11.2	17.1	11.7
Comprehensive income									276.2	126.9	108.9
Eliminations
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									-849.6	-650.7	-408.6
Cost of revenues									-855.7	-655.9	-421.7
Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses									0	-0.7	0
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property, plant, and equipment									0	0	0
Cost of revenues and operating costs									-855.7	-656.6	-421.7
Operating Profit (Loss)									6.1	5.9	13.1
Other (income) expense									0	0	0
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes									-969.1	-475.4	-334.8
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									-963	-469.5	-321.7
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									-2	2.1	4.7
Income (loss) from continuing operations									-961	-471.6	-326.4
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									-961	-471.6	-326.4
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									31.1	16.9	-1.5
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest									-992.1	-488.5	-324.9
Other comprehensive income (loss)									0	0	0
Comprehensive income									($961)	($471.60)	($326.40)

Financial_Statements_for_Guara3

Financial Statements for Guarantors of the Senior Notes (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	$887.90	$428.50	$573	$351.10
Short-term marketable securities	75	149.7
Receivables, net of allowance	405.3	365
Income tax receivable	58.6	7.7
Inventory	1,068.40	814.7
Property, plant, and equipment, net	4,902.90	4,770.60
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	0	0
Restricted cash	234.7	260.7
Goodwill and other assets	1,101	516.5
Assets	8,733.80	7,313.40
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	295.4	216.3
Accrued liabilities	709.6	567.4
Debt	3,553	2,989.80
Deferred income	36.4	40.8
Deferred income taxes	632.6	650.7
Advances from subsidiaries	0	0
Other liabilities	109.4	99.3
Total stockholders' equity	3,397.40	2,749.10	2,137.60	1,948.30
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	8,733.80	7,313.40
Parent
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	827.7	409.8	506.2	336.4
Short-term marketable securities	75	149.7
Receivables, net of allowance	0	0
Income tax receivable	58.6	7.7
Inventory	0	0
Property, plant, and equipment, net	29.3	44.5
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	4,426.60	3,431.70
Restricted cash	0	0
Goodwill and other assets	180.6	133.1
Assets	5,597.80	4,176.50
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	15	11.6
Accrued liabilities	235.8	213
Debt	789.5	375.9
Deferred income	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Advances from subsidiaries	1,067.50	744.5
Other liabilities	92.6	82.4
Total stockholders' equity	3,397.40	2,749.10
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,597.80	4,176.50
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	11.1	2.1	4.5	1.5
Short-term marketable securities	0	0
Receivables, net of allowance	190	223.4
Income tax receivable	0	0
Inventory	836.6	642.1
Property, plant, and equipment, net	774.8	947.2
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	4,028	2,806.50
Restricted cash	0	25
Goodwill and other assets	131.6	144.3
Assets	5,972.10	4,790.60
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	154.8	115.6
Accrued liabilities	286.9	202.7
Debt	39.1	42.2
Deferred income	34.5	38.7
Deferred income taxes	637.5	655.9
Advances from subsidiaries	0	0
Other liabilities	13.7	13.9
Total stockholders' equity	4,805.60	3,721.60
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,972.10	4,790.60
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	89.4	44	74.7	48.7
Short-term marketable securities	0	0
Receivables, net of allowance	215.7	142.2
Income tax receivable	0	0
Inventory	249.8	180.7
Property, plant, and equipment, net	4,663.10	4,264.70
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	3.4	79.8
Restricted cash	194.4	208.3
Goodwill and other assets	819	247.8
Assets	6,234.80	5,167.50
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	126.2	89.7
Accrued liabilities	186.9	151.7
Debt	2,724.40	2,571.70
Deferred income	1.9	2.1
Deferred income taxes	8.7	3.5
Advances from subsidiaries	597.7	19.2
Other liabilities	3.1	3
Total stockholders' equity	2,585.90	2,326.60
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	6,234.80	5,167.50
Eliminations
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	-40.3	-27.4	-12.4	-35.5
Short-term marketable securities	0	0
Receivables, net of allowance	-0.4	-0.6
Income tax receivable	0	0
Inventory	-18	-8.1
Property, plant, and equipment, net	-564.3	-485.8
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	-8,458	-6,318
Restricted cash	40.3	27.4
Goodwill and other assets	-30.2	-8.7
Assets	-9,070.90	-6,821.20
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	-0.6	-0.6
Accrued liabilities	0	0
Debt	0	0
Deferred income	0	0
Deferred income taxes	-13.6	-8.7
Advances from subsidiaries	-1,665.20	-763.7
Other liabilities	0	0
Total stockholders' equity	-7,391.50	-6,048.20
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	($9,070.90)	($6,821.20)

Financial_Statements_for_Guara4

Financial Statements for Guarantors of the Senior Notes (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$146.30	$156.90	$173.10	$233	$119.30	$106.10	$88.20	$78.80	$709.30	$392.40	$253.70
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
Income from discontinued operations	0.1	-0.6	0.2	0.3	-0.4	-0.3	1	-6.6	0	-6.3	-1.8
Depreciation and amortization									244.6	211.5	193.7
Stock-based compensation expense									53.3	44.5	27.7
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									-24.4	-8.5	-0.6
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes									-5.8	45.8	126.3
Net gains on railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year at the time of sale									-92.3	-20.4	-33.5
Gains on disposition of property, plant, and equipment									-12.1	-0.8	-5
Non-cash interest expense									30.7	30.8	31.2
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables									-56.4	17.2	2.7
(Increase) decrease in inventories									-186.3	-95.6	-128
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash									25	-25	0
(Increase) decrease in other assets									-8.3	-29.1	-41.5
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable									60.7	29	-16.7
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities									82.1	72.4	125.5
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities									2.6	8.2	-3.9
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes									0	0	0
Other									-4.5	-6.4	-3.2
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities - continuing									818.2	659.7	526.6
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued									1	2.5	0.8
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities									819.2	662.2	527.4
Investing activities:
(Increase) decrease in short-term marketable securities									74.7	-149.7	0
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales									265.8	131.6	126.3
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales – sale and leaseback									0	0	58.3
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant, equipment, and other assets									23	3.7	16.8
Capital expenditures – leasing									-245.3	-581.1	-352.6
Capital expenditures – manufacturing and other									-219.3	-149.9	-116.6
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired									-714.4	-73.2	-46.2
(Increase) decrease in investment in partially-owned subsidiaries									0	0
Other									0.8	0	1.7
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - continuing									-814.7	-818.6	-312.3
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - discontinued									0	0.6	0.9
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities									-814.7	-818	-311.4
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net									0.6	2.5	4.1
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									24.4	8.5	0.6
Payments to retire debt									-186.6	-262.1	-378.4
Proceeds from issuance of debt									727.3	175	443.8
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash									1	-12.5	17.1
Shares repurchased									-36.5	-103.2	-45.2
Dividends paid to common shareholders									-54.4	-39.3	-31.7
Purchase of shares to satisfy employee tax on vested stock									-38.3	-9.6	-4.8
Proceeds from sale of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiaries									0	296.7	0
Repurchase of noncontrolling interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiary									0	-84	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interest									49.6	50	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest									-28.2	-10	0
Distributions to controlling interest in partially-owned subsidiaries										0
Contributions from controlling interest in partially-owned subs									0
Change in intercompany financing between entities									0	0	0
Other									-2.5	0.8	-0.5
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities - continuing									456.4	12.8	5
Net cash required by financing activities - discontinued									-1.5	-1.5	0.9
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities									454.9	11.3	5.9
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									459.4	-144.5	221.9
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				428.5				573	428.5	573	351.1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	887.9				428.5				887.9	428.5	573
Parent
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)									678.2	375.5	255.2
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
Income from discontinued operations									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									6.1	4.5	3.9
Stock-based compensation expense									53.3	44.5	27.7
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									-24.4	-8.5	-0.6
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes									-4	43.3	4.9
Net gains on railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year at the time of sale									0	0	0
Gains on disposition of property, plant, and equipment									1.4	-0.3	-0.4
Non-cash interest expense									15.7	14.4	13.3
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables									-50.9	1	-7.8
(Increase) decrease in inventories									0	0	0
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash									0	0	0
(Increase) decrease in other assets									-38.8	146.8	-30.2
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable									3.4	0.1	3.5
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities									2.1	61.8	5.9
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities									9.2	-45.4	-12.8
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes									-740.2	-378.3	-246.6
Other									-0.4	-1.8	0.9
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities - continuing									-89.3	257.6	16.9
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued									0	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities									-89.3	257.6	16.9
Investing activities:
(Increase) decrease in short-term marketable securities									74.7	-149.7
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales									0	0	0
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales – sale and leaseback											0
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant, equipment, and other assets									0.4	0	0
Capital expenditures – leasing									0	0	0
Capital expenditures – manufacturing and other									-9.2	-23.7	-6.6
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired									0	0	0
(Increase) decrease in investment in partially-owned subsidiaries									0	0
Other									0.9	108.8	0
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - continuing									66.8	-64.6	-6.6
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - discontinued									0	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities									66.8	-64.6	-6.6
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net									0.6	2.5	4.1
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									24.4	8.5	0.6
Payments to retire debt									-0.5	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of debt									395.7	0	0
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash									0	0	0
Shares repurchased									-36.5	-103.2	-45.2
Dividends paid to common shareholders									-54.4	-39.3	-31.7
Purchase of shares to satisfy employee tax on vested stock									-38.3	-9.6	-4.8
Proceeds from sale of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiaries										0
Repurchase of noncontrolling interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiary										0
Contributions from noncontrolling interest									0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest									0	0
Distributions to controlling interest in partially-owned subsidiaries										0
Contributions from controlling interest in partially-owned subs									0
Change in intercompany financing between entities									149.4	-148.3	236.5
Other									0	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities - continuing									440.4	-289.4	159.5
Net cash required by financing activities - discontinued									0	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities									440.4	-289.4	159.5
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									417.9	-96.4	169.8
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				409.8				506.2	409.8	506.2	336.4
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	827.7				409.8				827.7	409.8	506.2
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)									727.1	378.7	227.7
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
Income from discontinued operations									0.1	-6.3	-1.4
Depreciation and amortization									24.9	31.5	30.4
Stock-based compensation expense									18.9	15.9	10.2
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									0	0	0
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes									-8.9	-5.3	125.5
Net gains on railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year at the time of sale									-41.4	-10.9	-9
Gains on disposition of property, plant, and equipment									0	0	-0.4
Non-cash interest expense									-1.9	-0.9	0.3
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables									33.4	27.6	10.1
(Increase) decrease in inventories									-194.5	-103.7	-106.3
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash									25	-25	0
(Increase) decrease in other assets									13.2	9.3	-2.7
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable									39.2	15	-26
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities									72.8	20.5	109.5
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities									-0.2	4.7	-33.7
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes									-228.9	-97.1	-88.2
Other									-3.5	-4.4	-3.2
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities - continuing									475.3	249.6	242.8
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued									1	2.5	0.8
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities									476.3	252.1	243.6
Investing activities:
(Increase) decrease in short-term marketable securities									0	0
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales									549.2	322.4	527.6
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales – sale and leaseback											58.3
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant, equipment, and other assets									0	0.3	13.6
Capital expenditures – leasing									-222.8	-545.6	-380.9
Capital expenditures – manufacturing and other									-64	-34.1	-38.8
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired									0	35.6	2.1
(Increase) decrease in investment in partially-owned subsidiaries									-4.5	47.3
Other									-0.8	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - continuing									257.1	-174.1	181.9
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - discontinued									0	0.6	0.9
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities									257.1	-173.5	182.8
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net									0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									0	0	0
Payments to retire debt									-3.1	-52.2	-8.9
Proceeds from issuance of debt									0	0	0
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash									0	0	0
Shares repurchased									0	0	0
Dividends paid to common shareholders									0	0	0
Purchase of shares to satisfy employee tax on vested stock									0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiaries										0
Repurchase of noncontrolling interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiary										-84
Contributions from noncontrolling interest									0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest									0	0
Distributions to controlling interest in partially-owned subsidiaries										0
Contributions from controlling interest in partially-owned subs									0
Change in intercompany financing between entities									-719.1	56.7	-415.4
Other									-0.7	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities - continuing									-722.9	-79.5	-424.3
Net cash required by financing activities - discontinued									-1.5	-1.5	0.9
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities									-724.4	-81	-423.4
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									9	-2.4	3
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				2.1				4.5	2.1	4.5	1.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	11.1				2.1				11.1	2.1	4.5
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)									265	109.8	97.2
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
Income from discontinued operations									-0.1	0	-0.4
Depreciation and amortization									213.6	175.5	159.4
Stock-based compensation expense									13.4	7.5	4.1
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									0	0	0
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes									7.1	7.8	-4.1
Net gains on railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year at the time of sale									-50.9	-9.5	-24.5
Gains on disposition of property, plant, and equipment									-13.5	-0.5	-4.2
Non-cash interest expense									16.9	17.3	17.6
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables									-38.7	-12	0.4
(Increase) decrease in inventories									-1.7	6.4	-24.9
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash									0	0	0
(Increase) decrease in other assets									-4.2	-3	-3.3
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable									18.1	14.4	5.8
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities									12.1	-9.9	6.2
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities									-6.4	-22.7	-1.4
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes									0	0	0
Other									-0.6	-0.2	-0.9
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities - continuing									430.1	280.9	227
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued									0	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities									430.1	280.9	227
Investing activities:
(Increase) decrease in short-term marketable securities									0	0
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales									140.3	57.1	88.7
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales – sale and leaseback											0
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant, equipment, and other assets									22.6	3.4	3.2
Capital expenditures – leasing									-446.2	-283.4	-461.7
Capital expenditures – manufacturing and other									-146.1	-92.1	-71.2
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired									-714.4	-108.8	-48.3
(Increase) decrease in investment in partially-owned subsidiaries									0	0
Other									0.7	0	1.7
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - continuing									-1,143.10	-423.8	-487.6
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - discontinued									0	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities									-1,143.10	-423.8	-487.6
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net									0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									0	0	0
Payments to retire debt									-183	-318.7	-369.5
Proceeds from issuance of debt									331.6	175	443.8
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash									13.9	2.5	-6
Shares repurchased									0	0	0
Dividends paid to common shareholders									0	0	0
Purchase of shares to satisfy employee tax on vested stock									0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiaries										296.7
Repurchase of noncontrolling interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiary										0
Contributions from noncontrolling interest									49.6	50
Distributions to noncontrolling interest									-28.2	-10
Distributions to controlling interest in partially-owned subsidiaries										-47.3
Contributions from controlling interest in partially-owned subs									4.5
Change in intercompany financing between entities									571.8	-36.8	218.8
Other									-1.8	0.8	-0.5
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities - continuing									758.4	112.2	286.6
Net cash required by financing activities - discontinued									0	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities									758.4	112.2	286.6
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									45.4	-30.7	26
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				44				74.7	44	74.7	48.7
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	89.4				44				89.4	44	74.7
Eliminations
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)									-961	-471.6	-326.4
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
Income from discontinued operations									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense									-32.3	-23.4	-14.3
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									0	0	0
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes									0	0	0
Net gains on railcar lease fleet sales owned more than one year at the time of sale									0	0	0
Gains on disposition of property, plant, and equipment									0	0	0
Non-cash interest expense									0	0	0
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables									-0.2	0.6	0
(Increase) decrease in inventories									9.9	1.7	3.2
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash									0	0	0
(Increase) decrease in other assets									21.5	-182.2	-5.3
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable									0	-0.5	0
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities									-4.9	0	3.9
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities									0	71.6	44
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes									969.1	475.4	334.8
Other									0	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities - continuing									2.1	-128.4	39.9
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued									0	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by operating activities									2.1	-128.4	39.9
Investing activities:
(Increase) decrease in short-term marketable securities									0	0
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales									-423.7	-247.9	-490
Proceeds from railcar lease fleet sales – sale and leaseback											0
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant, equipment, and other assets									0	0	0
Capital expenditures – leasing									423.7	247.9	490
Capital expenditures – manufacturing and other									0	0	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired									0	0	0
(Increase) decrease in investment in partially-owned subsidiaries									4.5	-47.3
Other									0	-108.8	0
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - continuing									4.5	-156.1	0
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities - discontinued									0	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by investing activities									4.5	-156.1	0
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net									0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									0	0	0
Payments to retire debt									0	108.8	0
Proceeds from issuance of debt									0	0	0
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash									-12.9	-15	23.1
Shares repurchased									0	0	0
Dividends paid to common shareholders									0	0	0
Purchase of shares to satisfy employee tax on vested stock									0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiaries										0
Repurchase of noncontrolling interests in partially-owned leasing subsidiary										0
Contributions from noncontrolling interest									0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest									0
Distributions to controlling interest in partially-owned subsidiaries										47.3
Contributions from controlling interest in partially-owned subs									-4.5
Change in intercompany financing between entities									-2.1	128.4	-39.9
Other									0	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities - continuing									-19.5	269.5	-16.8
Net cash required by financing activities - discontinued									0	0	0
Net cash provided (required) by financing activities									-19.5	269.5	-16.8
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									-12.9	-15	23.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				-27.4				-12.4	-27.4	-12.4	-35.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	($40.30)				($27.40)				($40.30)	($27.40)	($12.40)

Financial_Statements_for_Guara5

Financial Statements for Guarantors of the Senior Notes (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$234.70	$260.70
Assets	8,733.80	7,313.40
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Restricted cash	194.4	208.3
Net book value of equipment pledged as collateral	3,936.80	3,733.90
Net Book Value of Equipment Securing Capital Lease Obligations	87.5	90.2
Assets	6,234.80	5,167.50
Foreign locations | Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	$395.50	$306.90

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Total revenues	$1,661.40	$1,562.80	$1,485.30	$1,460.50	$1,256	$1,110.30	$1,066.10	$932.90	$6,170	$4,365.30	$3,811.90
Cost of revenues:
Total cost of revenues	1,275.30	1,172.20	1,098.30	1,074	962.7	836.3	812.2	711.1	4,619.80	3,322.30	3,051.50
Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses	110.6	113	96.4	83.6	80.2	70.6	71.5	69	403.6	291.3	224.1
Gain on disposition of property, plant, and equipment	1	3.6	11.4	88.4	11.3	2.2	1	6.7	104.4	21.2	38.5
Operating Profit	276.5	281.2	302	391.3	224.4	205.6	183.4	159.5	1,251	772.9	574.8
Net income from continuing operations	146.4	156.3	173.3	233.3	118.9	105.8	89.2	72.2	709.3	386.1	251.9
Discontinued operations, net of tax	-0.1	0.6	-0.2	-0.3	0.4	0.3	-1	6.6	0	6.3	1.8
Net income	146.3	156.9	173.1	233	119.3	106.1	88.2	78.8	709.3	392.4	253.7
Net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc.	138.2	149.4	164.2	226.4	112.8	99.6	84	79.1	678.2	375.5	255.2
Basic:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.89	$0.95	$1.05	$1.46	$0.72	$0.63	$0.53	$0.46	$4.35	$2.34	$1.59
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)	$0.04	$0	$0.04	$0.01
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.89	$0.95	$1.05	$1.46	$0.72	$0.63	$0.52	$0.50	$4.35	$2.38	$1.60
Diluted:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.86	$0.90	$1.01	$1.42	$0.72	$0.63	$0.53	$0.46	$4.19	$2.34	$1.58
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)	$0.04	$0	$0.04	$0.01
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.86	$0.90	$1.01	$1.42	$0.72	$0.63	$0.52	$0.50	$4.19	$2.38	$1.59
Manufacturing
Revenues:
Total revenues	1,425.60	1,359.80	1,259.90	1,018.30	1,065.20	959.7	896.5	798.5	5,063.60	3,719.90	3,167.50
Cost of revenues:
Total cost of revenues	1,147.60	1,062.60	970.2	794.7	856.7	767	726	641.2	3,975.10	2,990.90	2,701.20
Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses									235	180.4	143.4
Leasing
Revenues:
Total revenues	235.8	203	225.4	442.2	190.8	150.6	169.6	134.4	1,106.40	645.4	644.4
Cost of revenues:
Total cost of revenues	127.7	109.6	128.1	279.3	106	69.3	86.2	69.9	644.7	331.4	350.3
Selling, engineering, and administrative expenses									$49.60	$37.60	$29.40