Restructuring Expenses and Related Asset Impairments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring expenses and related asset impairments
Severance and other employee related costs	$ 6.7	$ 5.6	$ 3.8
Asset impairments and other restructuring costs	5.8	1.3	3.1
Total restructuring expenses and related asset impairments	12.5	6.9	6.9
Restructuring Liability
Balance at beginning of the period	3.0	5.9	9.6
Accruals for severance and other employee related costs	7.6	5.6	3.8
Payments	(6.4)	(8.4)	(7.2)
Currency translation adjustments and other	0.2	(0.1)	(0.3)
Total restructuring liability	4.4	3.0	5.9
Grace Construction Products
Restructuring expenses and related asset impairments
Total restructuring expenses and related asset impairments	6.1	2.0
Grace Catalysts Technologies
Restructuring expenses and related asset impairments
Total restructuring expenses and related asset impairments	4.0	0.2
Grace Materials Technologies
Restructuring expenses and related asset impairments
Total restructuring expenses and related asset impairments	0.4	1.0
Corporate [Member]
Restructuring expenses and related asset impairments
Total restructuring expenses and related asset impairments	$ 2.0	$ 3.7