Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net income	$ 4,790	$ 309
Effective portion of cash flow hedge	(12)	153
Effect of foreign currency translation	28	(135)
Comprehensive income	4,806	327
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	487	569
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to SP Plus Corporation	4,319	(242)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	118
Change in other comprehensive income (loss)	16
Balance at the end of the period	134
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	(368)
Change in other comprehensive income (loss)	28
Balance at the end of the period	(340)
Effective Portion of Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	486
Change in other comprehensive income (loss)	(12)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 474