Katy Industries - Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Parent [Member]	Total
Balance, December 31 at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 108,256	$ 9,822	$ 27,110	$ (2,361)	$ (108,775)	$ (21,437)	$ 12,615
Net loss					(15,106)		(15,106)
Foreign currency translation adjustment				36			36
Pension and other postretirement benefits				(138)			(138)
Balance, December 31 at Dec. 31, 2011	108,256	9,822	27,110	(2,463)	(123,881)	(21,437)	(2,593)
Balance, December 31 (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	1,131,551	9,822,304
Net loss					(1,502)		(1,502)
Net loss								(15,106)
Foreign currency translation adjustment				(71)			(71)
Pension and other postretirement benefits				$ 1,686			$ 1,686
Balance, December 31 at Dec. 31, 2012