diff --git a/lib/OpenLayers/Util.js b/lib/OpenLayers/Util.js
index e88ce435e2..8e326a3b30 100644
--- a/lib/OpenLayers/Util.js
+++ b/lib/OpenLayers/Util.js
@@ -1542,7 +1542,8 @@ OpenLayers.Util.getRenderedDimensions = function(contentHTML, size, options) {
         }
         parent = parent.parentNode;
     }
-    if(parentHasPositionAbsolute){
+    if(parentHasPositionAbsolute && (containerElement.clientHeight === 0 || 
+                                     containerElement.clientWidth === 0) ){
         superContainer = document.createElement("div");
         superContainer.style.visibility = "hidden";
         superContainer.style.position = "absolute";