Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 4,485	$ 5,087	$ 16,820	$ 16,074
Effective portion of unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge	(188)	293	(485)	17
Foreign currency translation	(328)	(130)	(622)	(47)
Comprehensive income	3,969	5,250	15,713	16,044
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	778	785	2,014	2,162
Comprehensive income attributable to SP Plus Corporation	3,191	$ 4,465	13,699	$ 13,882
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at the beginning of the period			(205)
Change in other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,107)
Balance at the end of the period	(1,312)		(1,312)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at the beginning of the period			(530)
Change in other comprehensive income (loss)			(622)
Balance at the end of the period	(1,152)		(1,152)
Effective Portion of Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at the beginning of the period			325
Change in other comprehensive income (loss)			(485)
Balance at the end of the period	$ (160)		$ (160)